Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior just days ahead of the FA Cup semi-final clash against Leeds United at Wembley, and now a surprise name has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next manager at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are on a shambolic run of form, losing their last five Premier League games without scoring a goal. It’s the club’s worst run of games in over 114 years.
Chelsea got rid of Rosenior, who turned on his players after the 3-0 defeat at Brighton on Tuesday night, and Gary Neville feels the prospect of losing to Leeds on Sunday pushed the board to get rid of him.
Calum McFarlane has taken caretaker charge of Chelsea. However, a former Leeds United star is keen to get his hands on the reins at Stamford Bridge.
Ex-Leeds star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wants the Chelsea job
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored 41 times in 85 appearances for Leeds before leaving Elland Road for Stamford Bridge, where he netted 87 goals in 177 outings.
The Dutchman has an affinity for both clubs despite their rivalry and has admitted that he would be more than happy to become the next Chelsea manager if they offer him the job, even on an interim basis.
He doesn’t believe his history at Leeds will have any impact, and he will be more than pleased to help Chelsea out this season, given their current predicament.
“I can only answer for myself”, Hasselbaink said on Sky Sports when asked whether he is open to becoming Chelsea manager.
“You know I love the club, so you know my answer. I will always be there to help.
“Leeds are also one of my clubs, but if Chelsea asked me for help, I’m going to help, whatever the capacity. But that’s not the issue here. That’s stability.”
He won’t get the job
Hasselbaink has never managed at the top level, and his managerial record at a few different clubs showed little to suggest that he deserves a crack at Chelsea.
He has been out of work since getting sacked at Burton in 2022, and is largely into punditry in his native Netherlands and England.
Chelsea also have little appetite to bring in an interim and expects Calum McFarlane to see out the season before they appoint a permanent manager in the summer.
The club have turned down an offer from Chelsea legend John Terry to take charge of the team, and are unlikely to even think about Hasselbaink as a candidate.
