Ex-Real Madrid manager linked to Chelsea
Guus Hiddink ([3.7]) and Marco van Basten ([4.5]) are rated the leading contenders to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as Chelsea manager, based on the belief that Hiddink is Roman Abramovich's first choice and that if he is unavailable to take the job, he will recommend that his compatriot is given a chance.
There hasn't been much change to their prices of late though and instead the biggest twist to have occurred on Wednesday is that Manuel Pellegrini's agent has claimed that the Blues attempted to persuade his current employers Malaga to grant them permission to speak to the Chilean tactician.
According to talkSPORT, Jesus Martinez told Chilean radio station Cooperativa: "It is normal for clubs without a coach, such as Chelsea, to inquire about Pellegrini. But he is very comfortable at Malaga and has a contract there. He has put a lot of effort into Malaga and is pleased and excited to work with the team."
The Malaga boss made his name in Europe as Villarreal trainer, guiding the former lower league side to five straight top-eight finishes and most impressively of all to the Champions League semi-finals.
His stock fell slightly when he lasted only a season at Real Madrid, however he was harshly treated at the Bernabeu, delivering their all-time record La Liga points tally but ultimately being dismissed for failing to either overhaul an incredible Barcelona team or win over challenging Madrid press.
The two-time Argentine Primera Division champion has rebuilt his reputation on the seaside with Malaga, guiding the nouveau-riche club to 11th from bottom of La Liga in November, yet his inability to convince at Real Madrid would prompts doubts among some Chelsea fans as to his credentials.
Think he's a genuine candidate? He can be backed at [32.0] on Betfair...
Published: 25 May 2011
gary (May 25, 2011 9:47 PM) said:
I think his agent Martinez is making up stories. Abramovich is unlikely to be interested in Pellegrini.