Chelsea want to appoint a world-class manager at the end of the season, but the move is a huge gamble by owner Roman Abramovich that could make or break the club’s season.
Long term, the permanent manager is likely to be Guus Hiddink, the Russia coach with close links to Abramovich, or AC Milan’s Carlo Ancelotti.
Neither man is likely to be free or willing to move until the summer.
Abramovich, having given Scolari nothing to spend in the January window, decided enough was enough after his side failed to beat promoted Hull at the Bridge.
Key directors such as chief executive Peter Kenyon also played their role in the decision and it is believed major players John Terry and Frank Lampard were notified.
Already former Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini, ex-Barcelona chief Frank Rijkaard and even the former caretaker-boss Avram Grant have been sounded out to move in as a stop-gap, following Scolari’s dismissal shortly after lunchtime yesterday.
Abramovich, director Eugene Tennenbaum and chairman Bruce Buck met with the Brazilian yesterday at the training ground. Kenyon joined the conference by telephone.
Former Brazilian World Cup winner Scolari, who only took over in July, left having seen his side win only four of their last 12 league games, leaving them fourth in the Premier League table.
Abramovich, above, had flown in to England on Sunday. The feeling was, according to one source, “if you can’t beat Hull at home, it’s time to give up”. Scolari’s spokesman Acaz Fellegger denied player power forced the Brazilian out and said: “Abramovich made the decision. Scolari was not in a comfortable situation despite having the support of the squad and Peter Kenyon. The Chelsea squad are old. Felipe tried to rejuvenate it, but unsuccessfully.”
Scolari the fourth manager to lose his job in six years of Abramovich’s rule. said: “I wish luck to Chelsea in the three competitions they are involved in. I also confirm that I will keep living in London.”
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