AVB: Sackings at Chelsea like everyday event Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, said he was "very sad" and "very surprised" that Di Matteo had been sacked, and almost surprised at the terms on which Rafael Benitez had replaced him. "It was a complete surprise to me," said Wenger. He came in during a difficult situation, he won the Champions League and the FA Cup, and he has not been given any time this season. It is very sad news. It is important on our side to show loyalty. Wenger added of Benitez's initial appointment as manager for the rest of the season: "He is a guy with a record, a manager of stature. I am surprised he has been appointed for such a short time and surprised he accepted that.