Abramovich wants Hiddink, Mourinho both at Chelsea

ghimpheng SG

tribalfooball.com - March 31, 2007

Russia coach Guus Hiddink is being lined up by Chelsea to head a new coaching structure at Stamford Bridge.

The Sun says 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.

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.

ghimpheng SG

Chelsea offer GM's role to Hiddink
tribalfooball.com - April 07, 2007

Chelsea have offered the newly-formed general manager's role to Guus Hiddink.
The Sunday Times says Blues owner Roman Abramovich has developed a new club strategy, which could improve his working relationship with Mourinho. The policy encompasses player recruitment, investment in the team, and a revised management structure, including the creation of a new role of general manager. Hiddink has been offered the position and is considering accepting on a part-time basis, in tandem with his current duties as Russia coach.

Though Mourinho has declined to be drawn on whether he would work with Hiddink, the Dutchman's possible appointment has been well received by Chelsea players, impressed with his achievements as a World Cup coach with the Netherlands, South Korea and Australia.

stellazio SG

mourinho ego is too big i feel.

ghimpheng SG

this thread seems nothing to do with it ?

SumOne SG

It does, he's suggesting Mourinho's ego is too big, hence he may not want to accept working with Hiddink.