Chelsea in turmoil as Frank Arnesen quits
The Ray Wilkins saga takes another twist as Frank Arnesen; Chelsea’s sporting director has expressed his desire to leave in THE summer. The Dane moved to Stamford Bridge in 2005, managing the club's youth development and other areas, but has announced his intention
to leave when his contract expires in the summer.
The recent media speculations have suggested that Ray had a bust-up with Frank Arnesen prior to his departure, it is reported that Ray was allegedly involved in a training ground altercation with the Arnesen. The Dane was unimpressed with the substitutions
in some of the games and was seeking answers regarding injuries to key players. He was questioning the training methods involved but Ray was having none of it. It seemed that Arnesen succeed to get his man in coaching role with scouting coach Paul Clement
replacing Wilkins. . The Dane is a close confidant of Chelsea owner, his departure looks as though there is a shift in corridors power at Stamford Bridge.
Arnesen, who previously worked at Tottenham, was all praise as he thanked everyone at the club for their support he received during his stint at reigning Premier League Champions. He told Chelsea's official website
Chelseafc.com
He said: "It has been a privilege and an honour for me to work for such a big club with so many great people”.
"But I have decided to seek a new challenge when my contract expires at the end of this season.
"It has been a tremendous journey and I would like to thank everyone at Chelsea, especially Roman Abramovich, for giving me the incredible opportunity to help build on the club's academy and youth system along with our greatly talented academy and scouting
staff.
Blues chairman Bruce Buck confirmed the news that the Dane is leaving the club after six years but say he will continue to work as search for a suitable successor continues. He told
Chelseafc.com, “Frank has spoken to me several times over the past year with regards to seeking new challenges, so his decision comes as no surprise to us.”
"Frank has done an exceptional job here at Chelsea over the last six years and the incredibly strong academy and youth system Frank leaves behind him is a fitting tribute to his time at Chelsea.
"We do appreciate that he has given us plenty of notice which gives us time to consider whether and how we restructure the football department.
"On behalf of everyone at the club I thank him for all his efforts and wish him well as he considers his next football challenge."
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti who is preparing for a tough trip to Newcastle has denied claims he is at odd with Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich after pre-mature sacking of Ray Wilkins and run of bad results in recent weeks. Chelsea was in turmoil
after Ray’s contract was not renewed and was asked to leave his post as assistant manager with immediate effect. The off-field events coupled with injuries to key players have left Chelsea hanging by a thread to top position.
The Italian says he is under no pressure to replicate last season’s success. But history is against him as Roman sacked three manager’s in two seasons prior to Ancelotti’s appointment. He told reporters,
“The owner doesn't put me under pressure, he always supports me."
Ancelotti knows that things must change immediately if they are to retain Title.
He said: "You only have to look at results to see I am under pressure. But to be under pressure doesn't mean I am not safe.
"I take responsibility. We've had a lot of criticism lately and I agree with it. There is good reason to be critical after recent results", conceded the Italian.
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