GUUS HIDDINK is being lined up to join Chelsea as general manager under a new club structure. Roman Abramovich is desperate to get former Holland and Real Madrid boss Hiddink to join the club. But Hiddink does not want to coach the team so Abramovich has devised a role in which the Dutchman would be a buffer between owner and coach. That would allow Jose Mourinho to stay on as coach if he agreed to the changes. Mourinho is aware of the proposal but has not held clear-the-air talks in person with Blues chief Abramovich during the international break. However, Mourinho is involved in detailed planning for the clubÂ’s US tour this July. Hiddink is currently in charge of the Russia team and has forged close links with Abramovich.
Frank Arnesen was supposed to fulfil a general manager’s role at Stamford Bridge — but he fell out with Mourinho very early in his time with Chelsea. Abramovich is keen to harness Hiddink’s experience but the 60-year-old wants to take a backseat on team affairs.
Hiddink would have a say on player recruitment as well as trying to heal the rift between Rom and Mourinho.
Will this be a case of too many chefs? 