Madman Bielsa linked with Stamford Bridge hotseat
FORMER Argentina and Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa has been sounded out about replacing Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea, according to reports in Spain.
Bielsa, whose eccentricity has earned him the nickname Madman, has only been in charge at Athletic Bilbao since the start of the season. But he is said to be willing to consider switching to Stamford Bridge in the summer after hearing he could be wanted by Blues chiefs.
Valencia’s promising coach Unai Emery is also in the frame to replace Villas-Boas, say Spanish media, although he lacks the pedigree of the Argentine.
Bielsa endured a mixed spell with his national team, with a disappointing 2002 World Cup campaign offset by Olympic gold and a Copa America runners-up spot in 2004.
But he earned hero status with South American neighbours Chile, leading them to the 2010 World Cup following an eight-year absence.
The 56-year-old, who snubbed interest from Inter Milan to take over at unfashionable Athletic last summer, is known for his tactical rigidity, insisting his teams press high up the pitch in a 3-3-1-3 or 4-3-3 formation. Bielsa’s new players took a few matches to adjust, failing to win any of their first five league games, but are now just goal difference from a Champions League place.