http://www.goal.com/en/news/596/exclusive/2012/06/20/3188237/marcel-desailly-lined-up-for-shock-chelsea-return-as-coach?

Roberto Di Matteo wants his former Stamford Bridge team-mate, who is yet to gain his coaching badges, to join his backroom team and concentrate on organising the defense.

I'd be pleased with that! Also the way JT talks about him im sure he would welcome it as well.

That would be awesome. I love the ideas of the old boys coming back through the club.

Also great for the Rock. Yet another of the Chelsea old boys from the 90s to become a coach.

That would be brilliant. Has anyone seen it on a source a little more crediblle than goal.com ?

We have had these links before with former players meant to be coming back as coaches. Marcel coming back would be great, as would Franco if we could make it happen.

This would be fantastic, I love him as a pundit - doesn't even try to hide his pro-Chelsea bias!

Now THAT would be a natural authority in the dressing room.

Edited June 20, 201214 yr by Ozztheboss

One of my favorites, would be a brilliant addition.

Be so happy if we got the rock in as a coach, JT said he was massively influential on him as a young player so having him around would do so much for our young players.

Be so happy if we got the rock in as a coach, JT said he was massively influential on him as a young player so having him around would do so much for our young players.

He runs an academy in Accra that's well regarded. Here's a video (it's in French, but you can see the facility): http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/video-watch-the-marcel-desailly-academy-in-ghana/

Definitely would be a positive influence on our young defenders, especially the likes of Chalobah and Kane as they transition into the senior team. Undoubtedly could teach the vets a thing or two as well.

I heard he still lives in africa though. Of course not a problem but im not convinced of this story.

I heard he still lives in africa though. Of course not a problem but im not convinced of this story.

People do move, not sure what him living in Africa has to do with it.

Would be amazing if this happens, but half our ex-players have been linked to a coaching role at the club in the past. Really hope it's more than a blatant rumour.

I'd love for him to come back. I was really hoping we could get Steve Clarke back on board to coach the defense, but with him now managing WBA having Desailly in a similar role would be great! As others have said, adding another accomplished defensive mentor to what we already have in JT and to a lesser extent Ivanovic, A. Cole would be very valuable to our younger defenders.

Edited June 20, 201214 yr by Celery1989

DKW did you even read my full post?

Yes.

Now we just need to bring back Gullit, Makalele, Ballack, Zola and Petrescu (hey, he's doing a great job as a manager!) as coaches too

Now we just need to bring back Gullit, Makalele, Ballack, Zola and Petrescu (hey, he's doing a great job as a manager!) as coaches too

Wouldn't mind Maka coming back, just to teach Mikel!

I think I've found our new kit man.

We have had these links before with former players meant to be coming back as coaches. Marcel coming back would be great, as would Franco if we could make it happen.

It's more likely that Desailly comes back than Zola. The latter has been a manager for some teams and would probably not come here as an assistant or less than that even. Desailly on the other hand hasn't managed a team yet (I think), so coming here as a coach could be a good start for him.

It's more likely that Desailly comes back than Zola. The latter has been a manager for some teams and would probably not come here as an assistant or less than that even. Desailly on the other hand hasn't managed a team yet (I think), so coming here as a coach could be a good start for him.

Robbie came in after two manager jobs to assist AVB so do not think that would put Franco off if the right offer was made.

Yes.

Clearly not.

Isnt Zola being lined up for the Watford manager?!

Clearly not.

Go on then, educate me. What exactly was the point in writing "I heard he still lives in africa though" and then saying but its not a problem. The "though" indicates it would be a problem, so basically you have just argued with yourself. Well done.

I know there have always been goalkeeping coaches but is it not still unusual to have specific defense coaches and striker coaches?

It almost suggests that the head coach isn't entirely up to the task. And maybe too many cooks? But anyway, if Robbie wants Marcel to come in and help him it's fine with me.