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.
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.
