Rijkaard open to Blues post

Former Barcelona chief 'would consider' approach from Blues

By James Dall   Last updated: 10th February 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rijkaard open to Blues post

Rijkaard: Blues link

He is obviously a big fan of the game and a big fan of the Premier League, so he is interested in working in the Premier League.

Frank Rijkaard's agent
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Frank Rijkaard's agent has told Sky Sports News that the Dutchman 'would consider' a proposal from Chelsea, although he confirmed no approach has been made as yet.

Chelsea are seeking a new manager following the shock sacking of Brazilian tactician Luiz Felipe Scolari on Monday.

A number of high-profile coaches have already been linked with the vacant post, with the latest reports suggesting former Blues boss Avram Grant could return on a short-term basis.

Long-term plan

Rijkaard has also been mooted as a potential target, with the ex-Barcelona manager out of work since he departed the Camp Nou at the end of last season.

And, speaking to Sky Sports News on Tuesday, Rijkaard's agent, Perry Overeem, has admitted the 46-year-old would be interested in a permanent role in the Premier League.

Overeem said: "He is obviously a big fan of the game and a big fan of the Premier League, so he is interested in working in the Premier League.

"Yes (Rijkaard would be looking for a long-term role). But it depends on all the conditions and the plans.

"It would have to be a long-term plan for him, not just something for one or one-and-a-half seasons.

Special one

"He would consider every serious job offer from one of the major soccer leagues in Europe, obviously Chelsea and the Premier is one of those.

"He could certainly consider those ideas [a move to Chelsea]."

When asked whether he thought Rijkaard would be daunted by the regular changing of manager at Stamford Bridge, Overeem added: "I don't think Frank will be scared of those statistics.

"He would just think of himself as maybe the one candidate who can stay their longer than the other coaches."

Comments (10)

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Richie Cunningham says...

I dont think Rijkaard would be the correct appointment for Chelsea at this moment in time. I was never overly impressed with his performance at Barcelona even though he did enjoy some success. He never truly made the team his own and performances dropped later in his tenure as the team aged. I think somebody like Zola would be a more suited coach maybe with Avram Grant in a director of football role. Zola would not only inspire the players who would respect him undoubtedly, but it would also satisfy the supporters to see a blues legend return to the Bridge.

Posted 10:56 10th February 2009

Russell Ed (Chelsea fan) says...

So Big Phil is gone, must say after watching the woeful performances of late it isnt' all that surprising. Now what though? The thought of Average coming back, sans Steve Clarke, probably not the best idea. As we've picked up already, things have really gone to bits since Steve left for West Ham. So, how about a similar arrangement to what NUFC have with Joe Kinnear, however slightly more thought out and with a better manager. Offer Rijkaard the job until the end of the season, and let him bring in his own backroom staff until then. At the end of the season take an objective view to his performance, and take into account the state of affairs he's taking over. If he lifts us, great, if not the search for a new manager can begin in earnest. He's a good manager, but lets not throw anymore 4 and 5 year deals around especially when there is a possibility you could get him for a "trial period"

Posted 10:53 10th February 2009

Tom King (Chelsea fan) says...

The only person capable of bringing stability and trophies back to the bridge is José Mourinho. If Roman is a serious business man he will bring back the only man who delivered trophy after trophy to the bridge, Roman needs to demonstrate that he is a total business man and swallow his pride for the sake of the progression of the club...

Posted 10:37 10th February 2009

Kagule Bright (Manchester United fan) says...

Rijkaard is the right man for the Chelsea job because he has shown us how experinced he is at Barca. As for the special one, i don"t think he can accept to return to Chelsea.

Posted 10:37 10th February 2009

Nick Tandy (Manchester United fan) says...

Have a feeling Chelski will go for a stop gap and then push for either O'neill or Moyes in the summer. They need a manager who is used to dealing with the premeirship and the british press,cannot see Rijkaard being any use, fergie would destroy him in a couple of well aimed comments.

Posted 10:37 10th February 2009

Ernest Rodgers says...

Yes!Yes!! Rijkaard will be the right choice for the blues come back.belive me as he did for barcelona,he can also do the same for chelsea.he has an administrative and Technical skills for the the Job.he's good both on the field and off the field.try him the BLUES you shall get the best of him.he will surely gave you your long wish for the champion league.good luck chelsea with Frank Rijkaard

Posted 10:22 10th February 2009

Mick Tokyo (Charlton Athletic fan) says...

Scolari has been treated badly for sure, I know football is all about results yet the board of Chelsea must realise that there are just 11 players on the pitch at any one time. You cannot expect a Ronaldo or a Giggs or a Rooney having great days never to misfire, they have misfired in the past, yet Man Utd have done what, they have stuck with Ferguson and are unbelievably successful. I'm a Charlton lad and since Curbs left we have had a succession of managers, it has only gotten us relegated and this year will see us relegated again. OK, bring back Jose, I would like to see him back in the Premier League, I think it was a very bad move to get rid of him in the first place. You have to give managers time, and that is what is now a problem in English football.

Posted 10:03 10th February 2009

Michael Hallums says...

Bring back Steve Clarke along with Gianfranco Zola! When Stevey left, that's when it all started to go wrong. Wether we have Gianfranco or Gus or Frank, I think Stevey was the king pin and should work well with whoever takes over. Mick from Black Bourton

Posted 09:48 10th February 2009

Kyle Baillie (Chelsea fan) says...

Bring in a Brit manager who understands the pace of the game and has the ability to lift the squad! I think Clarke would be good but he's unproven as a manager. O'Neill would be ideal but theres no getting him away from Villa, who look mighty impressive this season. Rjikaard, I don't know, didn't do too much at Barca, and the premier league is tougher, faster and more demanding than the spanish. get a new owner while your at it! cmon blues!!!

Posted 09:33 10th February 2009

Ali Khan (Manchester United fan) says...

Rijkaard should be appointed the new Chelsea manager and should be given time unlike Scolari. Jose will not return to Chelsea. As Chelsea needs a person who has experience in club football and Rijkaard did very well with Barca.

Posted 09:26 10th February 2009
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