Chelsea director hints England coach could be interim manager

Holland has been with Chelsea since 2009, and has deputised in Mourinho's absence

 

STEVE HOLLAND is in line to take charge of Chelsea for their clash with Sunderland.

 

Sam Allardyce's side will be the first to face the Blues since Jose Mourinho's departure when they arrive at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

It is still not clear who will be opposite Allardyce in the Chelsea dugout, as despite the bookmakers installing Guus Hiddink as heavy favourite and some suspending betting on him, the club have yet to confirm Mourinho's successors.

But Michael Emenalo, the club's technical director, has indicated that it will be one of the current coaches, and as the senior man remaining at the club, England under-21 assistant manager Holland is in pole position.

 

"We would not be a big club if we did not have contingencies for situations like this," Emenalo said in an interview with Chelsea TV.

"We're a big club that have quality coaches embedded within the club and I think we will be okay for Saturday. 

"We will have competent people come up and help with preparation for the game on Saturday."

 

Emenalo has previously worked as chief scout and assistant first team coach at the club, but now heads up recruitment and academy programmes.

And although the Nigerian would not confirm exactly who will pick the team on Saturday, he reassured fans that Chelsea are working round the clock to get the right man in place.

"And make no mistake about it the club is working vigorously and actively to make sure the situation with regards to a managerial appointment is taken care of as soon as possible," Emenalo added.