Glenn Hoddle Exclusive: Former England Boss on Chelsea, Villas-Boas & Di Matteo

Bleacher Report caught up with former Chelsea, Tottenham and England manager Glenn Hoddle on Tuesday at the press launch of the 20-20 Elite Legends Cup.

Hoddle is technical director of the event, which will see former greats from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and QPR take part in a four-team tournament at Loftus Road in May.

Will Tidey: Hi Glenn, what was your reaction to Chelsea's sacking of Andre Villas-Boas?

Glenn Hoddle: I was quite surprised. I thought they'd wait for the Napoli game. Chelsea are [3-1 down] at home in Europe. They've got a chance.

WT: What do you know about Roberto Di Matteo, who will be Chelsea's caretaker manager until the end of the season?

GH: He's had the experience of being a manager and he's brought in Eddie Newton [to join his coaching staff], who he worked with at West Brom. I know he'll want to play an attractive brand of football—though he may have to put that on the back burner for a little while.

WT: How would you approach that situation—coming in as a temporary manager in charge?

GH: Managers have to make their own decisions. In the past, he would have been heard by a manager. Now he has to listen to people. He knows that, he's experienced that.

WT: Would you consider the Chelsea role if they offered it to you?

GH: I'd love to go back there. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

WT: If Harry Redknapp takes the England job, the Tottenham role could be open too. How about that one?

GH: I could have all three, [England, Spurs and Chelsea]! I think realistically Spurs will be looking to replace Harry when he takes the England job. But I think the Spurs one is a bit different. Going back to Chelsea would be very interesting—if they go English, but I think they'll go foreign. Who knows? Robbie [Di Matteo] might do a fantastic job and get it.

WT: Do you miss being in management?

GH: I didn't miss management. I was doing something I wanted to do in my heart [launching the Glenn Hoddle Academy]. I nearly went back in a couple of times in the last six months and it got my juices flowing again. I knew I could go back in. Who knows what's in the future?

WT: Thanks for your time Glenn, really appreciate it.

GH: Thanks, it was a pleasure.