Roberto Di Matteo looks to graduate as West Brom boss

Jul 5 2009 by Robert Tanner, Sunday Mercury

ECONOMICS graduate Roberto Di Matteo is banking on playing the numbers game to get West Brom to the top of the Championship class this season.

The 39-year-old Italian has a thirst for knowledge. He has a business studies degree he earned at college in his native Switzerland and while a player at Chelsea he took an MBA at London’s European School of Economics.

He is currently studying for his UEFA Pro licence along with assistant Eddie Newton and he admits he has a thirst for knowledge.

Di Matteo is aware many will regard his appointment as Tony Mowbray’s successor as a gamble as he only has one season’s experience as manager on his CV after guiding MK Dons to the play-offs last season but he has promised he is a student of the game, and a very quick learner.

He also admits he has done his homework on Albion, a club he has not faced at any stage of his illustrious career.

“Preparation and organisation is the key,” he said.

“You can have a different mental approach to it if you have an academic background.

“It helps, not only in your professional life but also in your private life.

“I grew up in Switzerland and academic knowledge is considered more important than football. My priorities were school and then football, and I actually quite like to study.

“I like to learn and read books away from football. I like to learn new things and I don’t think you ever stop learning anyway.