Next Chelsea Manager ?

So, time to ponder over the big question - Who will be the next manager of Chelsea FC ? All sorts of speculations are going on most with Frank Rijkaard, Guus Hiddink, Roberto Mancini and Marcelo Lippi the most talked about names. Lets take a look at all these possibilities, not necessarily in the order of likelihood.

Frank Rijkaard
Former Club: FC Barcelona
The Dutchman’s Barca team played mesmerizing football as he won the La Liga title and the 2006 European Cup, and he is one manager who Roman would want if he intends to bring beautiful football at the Bridge. Since the Catalan club sacked him a few days ago, he is hot favorite to take over Chelsea. Rijkaard, 45, is somebody who would command respect from the players and his arrival at the Bridge looks Straightforward.
P.S: I don't like his hairstyle. Mikel has a better one.

Guus Hiddink
Current Club: Russian national team
He's yet to sign an official contract with the Russian national team after this year’s European competition and he has a reputation of bringing attacking football. Two big reasons why he can me the next manager. He has a proven track record and a strong personality. His relation with Frank Arnesen, the chief scout and director of youth development at Chelsea was not that good back in PSV Eindhoven, but that shouldn't prevent Hiddink from coming to Chelsea. He's a great tactician and disciplinarian, and more importantly, a close friend of Roman Abramovich, who pays his wages as Russia coach.

Marcelo Lippi
Former club: Italian national team
Somebody who has a World Cup medal as a manager would be favorite for any coaching job. He also won a Champions League title, an Intercontinental Cup, a Coppa Italia, and a European Supercup. I'm impressed. He has stated on numerous occasions that he will be returning to management in time for the 2008/09 season, and is likely to apply for a job in Chelsea. So, a perfect manager. Wait a second, he's a close friend of Sir Alex. Does that make matters complicated. I guess no.

Roberto Mancini
Current Club: Inter Milan
Has led Inter to the last three Scudetti, but lost Saturday's Coppa Italia final to Roma. Mancini is still refusing to speak to the media, and kept his silence once again following last night’s 2-1 Coppa Italia final defeat to Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. There are also reports that his offer is rejected by the Club. Mancini is still in charge at Inter, though it is widely understood that he will make way for Jose Mourinho. But I don't think he would be the best man for the job.


Sven-Goran Eriksson
Former Club: Manchester City
Chelsea had tried for Eriksson twice and failed. If we are to try again, I hope we fail again. He has the looks of a great manager, but then appearance can be deceptive. What I mean to say is that I'm not sure about his managerial qualities. His close friend Pini Zahavi, the agent who also represents Grant, has the Chelsea connections to install him, and he is still favorite with the fans in West London.


Mark Hughes
Current Club: Blackburn Rovers
A former Chelsea player and the dark horse in the list of potential managers. He was a successful and popular player during a three-year spell at Stamford Bridge, helping Chelsea win three trophies after moving from Manchester United for £1.5 million. He has the necessary tactical skills and is good in the transfer market. Though he is also tipped to take over United once Sir Alex retires, it depends on whether the 44 year old is ready to take the big job now itself.

Luiz Felipe Scolari
Current club: Portuguese national team

He has been in negotiations with City but his wage demands appear set to end that deal – he has told friends he is looking for "the biggest deal of his career" if he quits coaching Portugal for club management after Euro'08. It also remains to be seen if he has Brazil national team ambitions. He is a great manager and would certainly bring attacking football to West London.

Jose Mourinho
Former Club: Chelsea FC
In the normal world, as a normal person, he would take over Inter but then this is the world of football and Jose is 'the special one.' Chances of a return are less but miracles do happen and let's hope for one...

Update on grant : Grant is linked with Manchester City manager job and gets a reconciliation of 5 million from Chelsea.