Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay reveals Blues have found a manager, looks forward to next season
Ron Gourlay, the Chelsea chief executive, revealed the Blues were close to signing a new manager but did not mention who the new manager was.
Gourlay refused to comment on whether the manager was former Chelsea caretaker and current Turkish national team manager Guus Hiddink.
The Dutch manager has been linked heavily with a return to Stamford Bridge, despite being contracted to the Turkish national team until another year.
Hiddink managed considerable success with Chelsea after taking over from Luiz http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Felipe-c13510 Scolari in the 2008-2009 season.
The Dutchman led an out of form Chelsea squad to an unexpected FA Cup trophy finish, making him one of the most successful http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 manager’s in recent years.
Gourlay admitted last season had been a disappointment, with the London side failing to secure any silverware.
This was the main reason Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti was shown the door, despite having led Chelsea to their first ever double in his first season at the club.
Gourlay said while speaking to reporters:
“It's a big season for us coming up. Things didn't go as well as we hoped last season and plans are very much in place for next season to be back winning trophies.”
Since Ancelotti’s departure, the Blues have been on the look-out for a replacement, so far without any success.
The likes of Jose Mourinho, Andres Villas Boas, Pep Guardiola, Harry Redknapp, Guus Hiddink, Marcello Lippi, Marco van Basten and Mark Hughes were linked with the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684.
As days have gone by, most managers have distanced themselves from the manager’s post at Stamford Bridge.
Currently, Hiddink remains first choice to take over the hot-seat at the London club, with Mark Hughes and Marco van Basten being considered for the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sporting-89-c40576 Director’s post.
Gourlay was speaking to media at a press conference in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hong-Kong-c2919 and revealed the Chelsea manager could be disclosed as soon as another fortnight.
The Blues chief executive said:
“As far as the manager is concerned, the process is going well but now is not the time for me to comment on who the next manager is going to be.
'We will announce things in the usual way but hopefully in the next week or two; we'll be in a position to announce who our new coach will be.”
He did not think it was the right time to unveil the new manager, since it would cause unnecessary speculation and rumours.
As for the new signings, Gourlay admitted Chelsea had their sights on a few players but would have to wait until they had signed a new manager.
He revealed the London side were not in for any major changes during the summer, but would be looking to freshen up the squad.
Gourlay continued:
“As far as players are concerned, the basis of the team will be the same for next season.
There may be an introduction of two or three players. We've identified key players that we'd like to bring to the team, players who can strengthen the team but of course we'll probably have to wait until the new coach is in place.”
It has now been 23 days since Chelsea sacked Carlo Ancelotti, the longest period they had to wait before this was 19 days before Hiddink was appointed as caretaker manager two years ago.
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