Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will back new manager Avram Grant to
bring in multi-million-pound talent in the New Year, with Barcelona
superstar Ronaldinho the principal target.
But Grant is likely to have to work alongside Russia coach Guus
Hiddink after the Dutchman revealed that he had held detailed talks
with Abramovich a week before the Russian parted company with Jose
Mourinho.
Abramovich is taking more direct control of his club by compiling a
team of advisers that includes Grant, Frank Arnesen, who runs youth
development and recruitment, and Piet De Visser, the 73-year-old
scout who acts as a personal football consultant to the Russian
oligarch.
According to those close to the former manager, it was this
committee of trusted lieutenants around the billionaire owner that
made Mourinho's position intolerable.
Grant, who will remain at the apex of the group, will be allowed to
hire new coaching staff. Portsmouth No 2 Tony Adams is a potential
assistant, having worked with Grant during the Israeli's spell as
technical director at Fratton Park last year.
According to a source close to Grant, Abramovich will 'throw
millions at him' in the transfer window, in stark contrast to the
refusal to spend big money in the last six months of Mourinho's
reign.
