GUUS HIDDINK is being lined up to join Chelsea as general
manager under a new club structure. 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. However, Mourinho is involved in detailed
planning for the clubs US tour this July. Hiddink is currently in
charge of the Russia team and has forged close links with
Abramovich.
Frank Arnesen was supposed to fulfil a general managers role at
Stamford Bridge but he fell out with Mourinho very early in his
time with Chelsea. Abramovich is keen to harness Hiddinks
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.
Will this be a case of too many
chefs?
