Chelsea have lined up Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard to replace Jose Mourinho in the summer. The former Holland coach has moved to the top of the Stamford Bridge shortlist to come in if Jose Mourinho is sacked at the end of the season. According to those close to Abramovich, Mourinho's conduct has deteriorated in recent months and it is expected that the Russian billionaire will sack the Portuguese coach. Such is the discord between the pair, Abramovich has reportedly considered sacking Mourinho before the end of this season, despite Chelsea still being involved in the Premiership title race, the FA Cup and the Champions League, having already won the Carling Cup. His behaviour has compounded the fact that the billionaire has not enjoyed watching Chelsea play of late. They may have only lost one game in their last 29 matches but the football produced has too often been unimpressive and lacking in flair.
According to the Independent, Rijkaard has been targeted by Abramovich to bring the kind of attacking football that Barcelona have produced over the past few seasons to the Premiership. Crucially, Rijkaard is also seen as a less confrontational figure than Mourinho, who has not been afraid of expressing his views and grievances.
The Independent claims that Rijkaard heads a list that features, or has featured at various times, Sevilla boss Juande Ramos, Internazionale coach Roberto Mancini, former Holland manager Guus Hiddink and Juventus coach Didier Deschamps.
