As Roman Abramovich’s search for a new manager continues, it might be worth taking a look at who the prime candidates are to take over the helm at the good ship Chelsea.
First and foremost is the current Turkey boss, Guus Hiddink. The fans love him, he has an established friendship with the owner, and he has already proven himself at the club.
In Hiddink’s brief caretaker role in 2009 he led them to an F.A Cup win and third place in the Premier League. In addition, his team were unlucky to miss out on an appearance in the Champions League final.
Clearly, in Hiddink’s six-month spell at Chelsea he showed that his knack for managerial success was as strong with the Blues as it has been pretty much everywhere else in his career.
Hiddink is so far and away the favourite that it would be pointless even considering anyone else for the position if it was not for the salient point that he is still under contract with Turkish F.A, who are unwilling to let him go.
However, noises made in recent weeks suggest that the Turkish F.A might be open to negotiations with the Stamford Bridge outfit, and could reluctantly part company with Hiddink should they receive fair compensation.
Should Chelsea miss out on nabbing their man, they could turn their gaze towards Spain. Despite winning the Copa Del Rey, Jose Mourinho has a fairly frosty relationship with the powers-that-be at Real Madrid.
There have been rumours, though nothing concrete, that the ‘Special One’ has a release clause in his contract in the region of €25m, whereby if another club paid the compensation he would be free to leave Real Madrid. This is just speculation, but if there is any club that could afford such an outlay it is Chelsea.
In Chelsea’s current situation, Abramovich might look to the man who brought the Blues their first title in 50 years, a man who would in all probability relish the chance to finish what he started by winning Champions League at the club.
Nonetheless, Mourinho is still an outside shot. His position at Real Madrid, though rocky over the course of the season, has been strengthened by the departure of director Jorge Valdano, and he will certainly have foremost in his mind the wrestling of the La Liga title away from the imperious Barcelona.
It would not be entirely surprising if he rejoined Chelsea, but it seems unlikely at this particular point in time.
Finally, the bargain basement option. Having recently quit as manager of Fulham, Mark Hughes is freely available and has experience of higher echelon management at Manchester City.
Should Chelsea fail in their attempts to drag Hiddink and/or Mourinho away from their current contracts, he may represent their only choice. There is absolutely no way that Abramovich will even consider letting his team start the season managerless, therefore it is possible, though incredibly unlikely, that he may opt for Mark Hughes as a sort of ‘interim’ coach while waiting for Hiddink/Mourinho to become available.
VERDICT: Hiddink. Absolutely nailed on. Turkey receive generous compensation, Chelsea get their man. Everybody wins.
Written by Sebastian Clare
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