Premier League: There's Madness In The Air

Unless the football world really has gone stark raving bonkers, Manchester City will keep the faith with manager Roberto Mancini despite their Champions League exit.

But there is a little madness in the air.

The first Premier League manager sacked this season is the man who won the Champions League less than six months ago - Chelsea's Roberto Di Matteo.

It is Roman Abramovich's club, and his multi-millions entitle him to axe anyone he likes in the middle of the night.

But it is no wonder the football world is awash with suggestions that he will gain little from replacing the Italian with former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez until the end of the season.

It is reasonable for the Russian tycoon to hope Benitez can rekindle the scoring flame in Fernando Torres.

The misfiring £50m striker enjoyed his finest days when managed by his fellow Spaniard at Liverpool.

But the appointment will stretch the patience of Chelsea fans.

Benitez has been out of work for two years, and Chelsea Supporters Group chair Trizia Fiorellino said: "If he was any good, why hasn't any other club snapped him up?"

Players may also be concerned about his man management. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard once grumbled: “I sometimes wondered what I had to do to get a 'well-done' off the gaffer."

Benitez may work miracles. He did after all win the Champions League with a Liverpool team somewhat light on world-beaters.

But it is equally possible that Abramovich will be left wishing – privately - he had kept di Matteo, much praised for the flowing football that had Chelsea top of the Premier League until recently.

Benitez will certainly need a flying start, and with the fixture computer's finely-tuned sense of humour, his first game is on Sunday against Manchester City.

City themselves are now firmly in the spotlight after manager Mancini failed to guide them past the Champions League group stages for the second year running.

The club's Abu Dhabi owners were expected to sack him in May until the final move of the season brought a dramatic goal - and the Premier League title.

Will there be a stay of execution this time? Mancini must hope the widespread criticism of Chelsea's haste will persuade Sheikh Mansour and his colleagues to give him a little time. But don't bank on it.