Hiddink hints at Chelsea return; Roma chief confirms Deschamps contact

Hiddink hints at Chelsea return

Turkey boss Guus Hiddink has dropped the biggest hint yet that he is willing to take over the reigns at Chelsea.

Last week the experienced manager added fuel to speculations linking him with a return to Stamford Bridge by admitting that he could return to club management.

The Dutchman has now hinted that he has been approached by Chelsea.

“There is no official offer yet, but I can’t guarantee anything,” Hiddink told Tukish newspaper Haberturk.

“I haven’t told the chairman what my thoughts are yet. But he is an intelligent man – I’m sure he follows the world’s media.”

Hiddink added that he would have no problems combining the two roles should he receive an offer from Chelsea.

“I feel so energetic, so a club role is more preferable. That’s what I like, working everyday. I feel I need to do more.

“I’ve trained Australia and PSV at the same time, as well as Russia and Chelsea and I was very happy. We’ll see what happens with Turkey.”

The experienced coach has enjoyed a great success during his first spell at Stamford Bridge and there is no doubt that everybody at the club would love to see him return to Chelsea bench.

The agreement between Roman Abramovich and Guus Hiddink looks on the cards, and all that’s left to see is whether the Dutchman will stay on as Turkey boss or decide to fully focus on Chelsea.

Roma chief confirms Deschamps contact

Roma general manager Walter Sabatini has confirmed that he has been in contact with Marseille boss Didier Deschamps.

The Serie A side have started the search for a new coach and it now seems that Marseille boss Didier Deschamps is the favourite for the job.

The former Juventus midfielder has another year on his contract with OM, but he is reportedly interested in the Roma job.

Roma general manager Walter Sabatini has confirmed that he plans to meet with the Frenchman in the coming days.

“I will certainly meet with Didier Deschamps soon,” Sabatini told L’Equipe.

“We have already spoken several times on the phone. We want to know his availability for Roma.

“Deschamps would be a good choice.”

Roma chiefs look to be keen on the French manager, but Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has already stated that Deschamps will not be going anywhere this summer.

Should the Serie A side fail in their attempt to sign Deschamps, they will turn their attention to Luis Enrique, who is out of contract after leaving Barcelona B and is reportedly interested in the coaching job at Olimpico.

Podolski looking to stay at Koln

Germany international forward Lukas Podolski has vowed to stay at Koln despite speculations linking him with a summer move away from the club.

The former Bayern Munich forward has been linked with a number of big European sides, but it looks as though he has no intention of leaving the club where he started his professional career.

“I will stay in Cologne. The FC is my club,” Podolski told Bild.

“In the future – whether as a player, coach or president.”

Certain reports in Italian media suggested that Podolski’s agent had agreed to meet with Roma officials to discuss the transfer to Olimpico, but it has now been revealed that the man behind the statement, Riccardo Sarti does not really represent the Germany international.

“We have never heard of this man or worked with him,” Podolski’s genuine agent was quoted as saying.

Lukas Podoslki managed to kick-start his career at Koln following a very disappointing spell at Bayern and he is now eager to help the Billy Goats establish themselves as genuine top table side.

The Germany international has scored 13 goals in 32 Bundesliga games this season, which is his best record in the top flight so far.

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