Rom offers Van Basten the job
TALKS ... Van Basten and Red Rom at Old Trafford on Sunday
By ANTONY KASTRINAKIS
September 26, 2007
MARCO VAN BASTEN has been offered the Chelsea job.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich made his move for the Holland boss at the weekend and is now waiting for his reply.
Ex-Real Madrid chief Fabio Capello let slip the secret by revealing Chelsea technical director Frank Arnesen recommended legendary striker Van Basten to Red Rom.
Capello said: “Arnesen wants Van Basten to take over and has already recommended Marco to Abramovich.”
Capello added: “Frank and Marco know each other well from their time in Dutch football.”
Van Basten, 40, sat behind Abramovich at Old Trafford in Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United.
The Dutchman privately insisted it was just a coincidence and that he was a United guest.
But Van Basten spoke at length with Chelsea’s hierarchy about an offer to succeed Avram Grant, who became Blues boss only last week after Jose Mourinho’s departure.
Ex-AC Milan hitman Van Basten asked for a few days to decide whether to take the job immediately. A close pal said: “Marco is faced with a huge dilemma. He has to think things over and see whether he could leave Holland.”
The Dutch sit joint top of Group G with Romania in Euro 2008 qualifying.