Gourlay: Top four the priority

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay says the priority is on securing Champions League football before the hunt for a new manager begins.

Last Updated: 06/03/13 at 09:44 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  FA Cup Winner 12/13 Win Outright: Chelsea 7/4

Rafael Benitez: Only in interim control at Chelsea

Rafael Benitez: Only in interim control at Chelsea

Rafael Benitez, whose side take on Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League on Thursday night, was appointed interim boss after the Blues became the first Champions League holders to exit the competition at the group stage earlier this season.

Former Liverpool manager Benitez was never a popular appointment at Stamford Bridge and confirmed last week he would be leaving at the end of the campaign, in order to encourage supporters to back the team, rather than barrack him.

That rant, coupled with his criticism of the 'interim manager' title, led to suggestions the Spaniard could depart prior to the end of the season, while speculation of a permanent replacement for Roberto Di Matteo has been incessant.

Gourlay, who was speaking in Kuala Lumpur while promoting the forthcoming tour, said the status quo remains for now, with Benitez on course to fulfil his brief.

"Achieving one of the Champions League qualification slots is very important to this football club," Gourlay said on Chelsea's official website.

"Our whole philosophy is based on success on the football field and we have been doing everything in our power to ensure one of these slots. We want to be pitting ourselves against the top clubs in Europe next season.

"We said from day one that Rafa was coming in as interim manager to the end of the season.

"It is important that we remain focused on the job in hand which is qualifying for the Champions League and then at the end of the season we will sit down, have a look at the situation and we will determine how we go forward."

The search for a new manager begins? Surely its just the next name down on the electoral role?
- westlondongoon

Bet with SkyBet  FA Cup Winner 12/13 Win Outright: Chelsea 7/4

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he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

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m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

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afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

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