Blues line up former Barcelona boss to take over
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FRANK RIJKAARD has been lined up to take over as Chelsea boss next season.
The former Barcelona boss has been sounded out by stand-in chief Guus Hiddink and has confirmed his interest. Sport of the World can reveal that the Dutch pair discussed Rijkaard’s impending appointment last week at the request of Blues owner Roman Abramovich.
The plan is for Hiddink to return to his duties as Russian national team manager in the summer — with Rijkaard succeeding him at Stamford Bridge.
But there is the possibility of Hiddink returning to Chelsea to work with Rijkaard in a director of football role at the end of Russia’s World Cup campaign.
The two have worked together before with Rijkaard part of Hiddink’s coaching team when he was in charge of Holland. They have retained a close friendship and share the same football philosophies.
Discussions
When Sport of the World contacted a source close to Rijkaard, he refused to discuss the Chelsea appointment.
But he added: “They are a club he admires — but he would not want to talk about that particular subject at the moment.”
But another Dutch source confirmed that everything is in place for Rijkaard to take the reins in west London.
The source said: “Guus and Frank have had long discussions about the job in the last few weeks. It has been informally agreed Frank will step in during the summer.
“Abramovich wants Hiddink to complete Russia’s World Cup campaign — but there will then be the option for him to return to Chelsea and work in tandem with Rijkaard.”
Riijkaard has been out of work since he left Barcelona at the end of last season. He built up a reputation as one of Europe’s finest coaches.
During his five years in Spain, he led Barca to two La Liga titles and the Champions League by beating Arsenal 2-1 at the 2006 final in Paris.
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hes a good manager but i think chelsea's not for him.
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omgs :0
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Lolx so fast?
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think he come in better. anyway, managing 2 teams like not easy, cant concentrate. either he choose 1, and since wc > epl, most probably he will focus on wc.
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