Success: Guus Hiddink's previous spell at Chelsea
culminated in winning the FA Cup in 2009
Chelsea want Guus Hiddink back as part of the
rebuilding process that saw them sign Fernando Torres for
£50million.
Dutchman Hiddink, who spent three successful months at
Stamford Bridge as caretaker manager in 2009, is the man owner
Roman Abramovich would like to replace Frank Arnesen as sporting
director when his contract expires this summer.
Chelsea’s billionaire owner intends to stand by head coach
Carlo Ancelotti for at least one more season, but Abramovich is
known to be looking for a high-profile figure to bring footballing
clout to the club’s executive tier.
Chelsea have held talks with Txiki Begiristain, but the
former Barcelona sporting director is not keen on the role because
Abramovich’s influence does not give him complete freedom to
recruit players.
West Ham manager Avram Grant has also been linked to the
job because of his connections with the Russian owner, but Hiddink
would be a popular appointment with the players and
fans.
He parted company with Russia last year and signed a
two-year contract to manage Turkey, but is already under pressure.
After three wins, his team have lost their last three and trail
Germany and Austria in qualification for Euro 2012.
Defeat against the Austrians next month could cost Hiddink
his job. Torres, meanwhile, is relieved to have left behind the
hysteria surrounding his switch to Chelsea last week.
Debut from hell: but the arrival of Torres (left) can
inspire Chelsea's youth players, says Frank Arnesen
The FA will probe the ugly scenes that saw irate
Liverpool supporters throw objects at the Spaniard during his
lacklustre debut on Sunday.
Torres was subjected to a torrent of abuse from fans who
were still smarting at their former idol’s transfer deadline-day
move.
The 26-year-old, who yesterday joined up with Spain for
their friendly against Colombia, admitted: ‘I’ve spent five very
intense days and I come to Spain to enjoy my time with my
team-mates and forget the last week.
‘I’ve said that I understood how the Liverpool supporters
feel. I’ve been a fan of a team and felt the same. But teams are
more important than any player. My move, it is so recent, with time
the fans will be fairer.’
Days gone by: Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard go
head-to-head at Stamford Bridge
A number of Liverpool supporters were seen
throwing various objects — including club shirts with Torres’ name
on the back — during the Anfield side’s 1-0
win.
Referee Andre Marriner reported the incidents and FA
chiefs will contact Liverpool and Chelsea to ask for their
observations.
Goalkeeper Pepe Reina has called on fans to forgive
Torres, saying: ‘People naturally do not understand it, but I think
they should make an effort to keep what he has given the club over
the past three years.’
