The aftermath of Luiz Felipe Scolari's surprise sacking as Chelsea manager is getting hotter, with several big names linked with the empty Blues bench. Reports in England tipped a number of free managers with the hot seat, while the names of some contracted coaches have also been mentioned. Dutchman Guus Hiddink, who was already linked with the post prior to Scolari's appointment last summer, was considered a major candidate. However, Hiddink's agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen implied that his client is unlikely to accept the job due to his commitment with the Russian national team. The same situation occurs with former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola, who is doing well with city rivals West Ham in the mean time. Zola's agent confirmed that the Italian 'knows nothing about the Chelsea link', but admitted that Stamford Bridge is a 'special place' for him.
Rijkaard open to Chelsea move AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has also entered the race, having been approached by Chelsea before Scolari took over last June. Unemployed Managers Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard, who has been without a job since leaving Barcelona last season, 'would certainly consider an offer from Chelsea', according to his agent Perry Overeem. But Roberto Mancini's agent Giorgio De Giorgis 'excluded the possibility' that the ex-Inter Milan coach would go to Chelsea as the Champions League finalists have yet to contact him. Scolari's predecessor Avram Grant is reportedly linked with a comeback to Stamford Bridge, following his sacking at the end of last season. Grant's sensational return would raise several eyebrows in London as the Israeli's previous stint was hardly swallowed by Chelsea fans.
