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It was announced earlier today that ex-Chelsea attacking midfielder Boudewijn “Bolo” Zenden has been appointed as Rafa Benitez’ assistant manager. The former Dutch international notched four goals in a total of 42 games after his high profile transfer from Barcelona in 2001. Bolo spent four injury- riddled years in Chelsea blue from 2001 to 2004.
I am glad to see him back, but why is a man with no previous coaching experience of any kind being given such a high pressure job at a big club?
It doesn’t look like Benitez was behind this appointment, as I am sure he would have liked someone with far more experience to help him through what has now been dubbed “the impossible job”.
Many are predicting the Spaniard’s first game in charge to be a baptism of fire, not only due to the opposition but also because of the negative reception the former Liverpool boss will inevitably receive from the home crowd.
So with that in mind, it raises the question: was the fan’s reaction yesterday a major reason behind this appointment?
I have to say the move does look like an almost desperate attempt to get Chelsea fans on side with Rafa and the board. In all honesty, something like this was 100% needed, and judging by the uproar on social networking sites over the past 24 hours, the club needed to show the fans they are not completely out of touch as many have claimed them to be. Having a former player on the coaching staff could potentially put out the flames that the hiring of former Liverpool manager Benitez seemed to have lit.
The question is will it work? We shall see come Sunday.
To say the Spaniard faces an extremely tough task ahead is an understatement, City are going on strong in the league, they are currently unbeaten, and pose a huge threat going forward, as we all know. He only has a few days to get the players mentally prepared after the shock exit of Roberto Di Matteo, and he is going to have to take all the insults and chants on the chin, then prove to the Chelsea fans why he should be our manager.
This weekend is going to be interesting to say the least.
So Chelsea fans, what are your thoughts?
