The Search For Manager Continues

The search for a new manager is still going on while Roman seems to be enjoying himself buying art pieces in the Switzerland. Yesterday the most talked about contenders for the post of manager were Mancini and Rijkaard, while today all the major newspapers and sites report that Scolari has made himself available after the Euro, and will make any further decisions only after the mega event.

The Sun reported yesterday that with all the options fading away, Rijkaard and Mancini remain the likely candidates. Former Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has opted to join Manchester City, while perennial favourite Guus Hiddink is likely to continue coaching Russia until after the 2010 World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti’s announcement that he will stay with AC Milan while his counterpart in Roma, Luciano Spalletti distanced himself from the Blues job. His agent, Vlado Lemic, is understood to have held informal talks with Chelsea officials in Paris. However, the 49-year-old manager has since made it clear privately that he does not wish to proceed with discussion. Chelsea doesn't seem to be keen on Marcello Lippi, considering the language barrier.

Bruce Buck, the club's chairman, flew to Milan and this lead to widespread specualtion regarding the appointment of Mancini. Bruce said that we are close to signing a new manager. It is understood Chelsea plan talks with both Mancini and former Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard early next week and that an appointment could follow before next weekend. Mancini, has been caught up in a police investigation regarding phone calls supposedly made to a known drug dealer. Rijkaard too is facing personal problems but he still remains a favorite with Abramovic and his advisers.

The Portugal coach Scolari said that he will announce a decision on his future when his contract expires at the end of the tournament but implied that he is willing to negotiate with potential suitors while it is taking place. This is a welcome sign for Chelsea, but Scolari said he is to concentrate on Euro now and also added that he is keeping his options open. The Guardian also carries the same story, according to which Scolari wants Chelsea to wait till Euro gets over so that he can sonsider the approach made. Scolari and Hiddink are my personal favorites for the job, and since Hiddink has already ruled himself out of any possibility, I hope Scolari is the man.