Quotes of the Week: Di Matteo sacking, Benitez on Abramovich and old Chelsea comments, Spurs fan on Rome attack and more

Friday, November 23, 2012
7:02 PM

With another week gone London24 takes a look at some of the funny, bizarre, controversial and shocking things said by the capital’s sports personalities and fans.

"At Chelsea, I think another sacking is just like any other day at the office."

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas on Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo getting sacked less than a year after he was shown the Stamford Bridge exit door.

"I don't think Benitez is a good manager, hes been out of work for two years now. If he was any good, why hasnt any other club snapped him up?"

Trizia Fiorellino, the chair of Chelsea Supporters Group, on Benitezs appointment

"As far as I am concerned, he has done absolutely nothing wrong. His philosophy was to perhaps change the look of the team, which he has tried to do - that doesnt happen overnight - and he's won two competitions in less than a year, so its unbelievable."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew on Roberto Di Matteo sacking

"Rafa Benitez is very lucky because on his CV in two weeks time he could have two world championships to his name - and has had nothing to do with the teams."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson takes a swipe at the new Chelsea interim boss

"They say it was a difficult time working under [Tom] Hicks and [George] Gillet who were both owners of Liverpool and yet did not speak to each other," said Benitez. "Despite that, we were still performing, if you have two bosses who are not taking, its difficult. Here, with one owner, it is easier."

New Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez on new boss Roman Abramovich compared to his old bosses at Liverpool

"I dont see it as a lack of respect for Chelsea fans. Its more a manager defending his team against a top side. Im sure they'd like to see me defend the club now I am here."

Rafael Benitez on past comments about Chelsea while he was Liverpool manager

"I have a very good relationship with Guardiola. I think he is a great manager."

Rafael Benitez, on his first day as Chelsea boss, tries to brush off suggestion that hell be sacked in the summer with the former Barcelona boss taking his place

"It felt like it was a planned attack, as if theyd got together and said 'right, we know where some of them will be'. But no-one was wearing Spurs shirts. There was one guy with a Spurs shirt on but he was wearing a coat over the top. We know the history and if the pub had been full of club colours we probably wouldnt have gone in. From the outside you wouldnt have known what nationality everyone was."

A Spurs fan on the attack at the Drunken Ship in Rome

"Though we have a change the long term vision of the club remains and much good work has already been done and will continue. This is a club where the chairman and shareholders look at all things in a long term view. But also take the views of the fans who are the most important constituents of the club. To us fans come first."

QPR owner Tony Fernandes tweets about sacking manager Mark Hughes

"It's difficult. The new TV contract thats coming in, the extra funds for next year, I think is putting extra pressure on boards and they are reacting. You can't afford not to be in the Premier League this year and Mark might not be the only one (to be sacked).

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew on Mark Hughes sacking as QPR boss

"Berbatov is one of the outstanding players in the Premier League this year. It is worth the admission fee just to see him play."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis on Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov

"David has always said to me when I have spoken to him that hes only wanted to play for Manchester United in this country."

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce on suggestions that David Beckham could come to Upton Park

"In the beginning it was like I was being given [yellow] cards like it was Christmas."

Barnet player/joint head coach Edgar Davids after being sent off against Accrington

"The contact was made below the chin but the kid has gone down like he has been hit in the head."

Leeds boss Neil Warnock on Luke Varneys red card against Millwall

"Weve been working all week on it. If we can get somebody blocking one of our men. Fortunately it worked. This is a tough place to come West Ham are a good side."

Stokes Charlie Adam on his sides controversial goal against West Ham