Despite winning the Champions League, the honeymoon period is over and the Italian faces a tough task reforming Chelsea after being given the job on a full-time basis

So much was made of the body language as Roberto Di Matteo, looking ready to burst as he relished sight of the Champions League trophy as a conquering coach, drifted past Roman Abramovich in the Allianz Arena's expensive seats. Chelsea's owner appeared reticent to embrace the man who had delivered the ultimate prize in club football, and the implications seemed to suggest that Di Matteo was not long for the job he handled almost flawlessly since the call came to replace André Villas-Boas. So much for body language, then.

Despite rebooting Chelsea so comprehensively that players old and new found the purpose – and winning the Champions League and FA Cup from a position of weakness – Di Matteo was not an automatic choice for the full-time role. Not when the likes of Pep Guardiola are out work. The history of the Abramovich regime suggests that nothing is to be taken for granted in the business of comings and goings in the dugout.

Despite the most tempting of alternatives, it would have been scandalous, really, if Di Matteo had been overlooked. Bravo, Chelsea, for doing the right thing. His achievements merit the opportunity to show what he can do over a longer period of time and with a greater degree of responsibility.

Di Matteo's obvious affection for the club, sense of their modern history, considerate approach to man management and motivation, and an invaluable helping of good luck gave him the tools to produce alchemy over three and a half unforgettable months. But the coming season, one without any question under his direction, with a new pressure he did not have over the honeymoon period when he was Chelsea's interim coach transformed into knight in shining armour, is a different story.

Thanks to their cup heroics, the fact they finished relatively poorly in the Premier League, and outside of the Champions League positions, was lost in the euphoria. But it is a failing that will not be tolerated again. It will be interesting to see whether his job is in effect to continue the short-term mission to improve results (especially in the Premier League) or to work with a bigger picture vision, which was the original task for Villas-Boas.

Di Matteo has already made inroads in developing the team – the likes of David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Ramires all enhanced their reputations in Chelsea blue of the second half of last season. There are more changes to come, as the team will surely have to reform themselves without the enormous influence of Didier Drogba, who has been so central to their way of playing, and to their ability to win finals, over the years.

Chelsea have shown in their transfer dealings so far this summer, with hefty sums spent on Eden Hazard and Marko Marin, and Porto's Hulk expected to arrive, that they are in no mood to rest on any laurels. In following Di Matteo the temp, Di Matteo the main man has a hard act to follow.