Buzzin Football

Chelsea need a coach more than a manager, right now.  They had a first class football coach, with bags of experience, success with Jose Mourinho & Avram Grant, and a former Chelsea player to boot.  But Steve Clarke is now building a successful partnership with a former Chelsea legend, Gianfranco Zola, at West Ham United.

After just seven months in the job, Chelsea decided to sack Felipe Scolari following a drab 0-0 result with Hull City on Saturday.  It has been suggested by Scolari’s agent tonight that it was Roman Abramovich himself who made the decision and not Peter Kenyon or the Chelsea board.  This follows reports suggesting it was with Abramovich’s insistence that Scolari was offered the job over Mark Hughes last July.

More than the draw itself, I believe Abramovich realised there is a distinct possibility that if results continue to go against Chelsea, they may well miss out on Champions League qualification next season.  They have thrown away the Premiership title this season.  But losing out on Champions League qualification would be a complete disaster.

I can’t believe any team are going to want to relinquish a successful manager in February.  So of the possible quick replacements who is actually available that may be on Chelsea’s hitlist?

Frank Rijkaard and Roberto Mancini have the right pedigree and are available. And let’s not forget Avram Grant, though he may also be a target for Portsmouth.

The nutters are out and rumours are flying.  Apparently Peter Kenyon was seen in a London hotel with Kevin Keegan yesterday, and Glen Hoddle was spotted at Chelsea’s training ground today. Though that was a pre-arranged match between his academy XI and Chelsea reserves.

Other names that have already been touted include Guus Hiddink though I cannot see Abramovich prizing him away from managing Russia amidst World Cup qualification. But does anyone remember how close Peter Kenyon came to prizing Sven Goran Eriksson away from the England job?

But if Chelsea are looking for a former player to bring stabilty to the team how about Didier Descamp, Roberto Di Matteo, Dennis Wise or Mark Hughes?

Personally, I think Mark Hughes could be a good appointment; and if Manchester City can line up a replacement, he might be available. But surely, the names at the top of the hit list must be Gianfranco Zola & Steve Clarke.