Perrotta hopes Spalletti stays

Midfielder understands Chelsea's interest in Roma boss

Last updated: 6th June 2008

Perrotta hopes Spalletti stays

Perrotta: Apprehensive

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Simone Perrotta is 'not surprised' that Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is under consideration by Chelsea.

Reports have claimed that Spalletti is now a leading candidate for the Stamford Bridge job after Avram Grant was sacked last month.

Mark Hughes, who had been a contender for the role, has taken charge at Manchester City, while Carlo Ancelotti has pledged to stay at Milan.

That has prompted the link to Spalletti and Roma midfielder Perrotta is 'curious' to see whether his coach will move to Chelsea.

Intelligent

"I am not surprised that Chelsea have asked for Spalletti," said Perrotta, who is with the Italy squad at Euro 2008, in the Daily Telegraph.

"They are looking for a great coach and they have contacted one of the greatest.

"I am curious to see how it finishes.

"The manager is an intelligent person and he will evaluate the situation and decide on what is best, but it is clear that he knows what he will leave if he decides to go.

"The results we have got in the last two years are thanks to everyone's work, including the manager, and so it is logical that if we should miss an important part of the team like him there would be a bit of apprehension.

"In that case, we would need to find someone who could continue his work."

Spalletti declined to comment on any interest in the Chelsea position when he was quizzed by reporters in Italy on Thursday.

He said: "I do not want to say anything. I have nothing to say."