Xia said then: "My long-term aim is to make Aston Villa the greatest club in the world, a club taking the leadership of the modern new age - maybe more than that. I am happy that Roberto was willing to take this challenge with us. I do need someone who is really into this and also confident enough to succeed. I think he is the right one.

"He is someone with successful experience in the Championship, successful experience in the Premier League and is a European champion.

"Also, he is one of the most intelligent coaches I have known. I can say, just like me, we are common in the way that we can succeed in different fields."

Di Matteo's reign at Villa has lasted just 11 games, with the season only a third way through.

One media outlet in the Midlands commented: "The decision will serve as warning that despite appearances, Xia is quite ruthless in what he wants to achieve and will not accept second best following what is, a significant investment into the club."

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