Thursday, 6th June, 2013
Chelsea’s relationship with Eredivisie club Vitesse Arnhem appears to be more than just about sending players out on loan, with influence reaching the sphere of managerial appointments.
The Blues had a say in Vitesse’s naming of Fred Rutten to the dugout in July last year, after his departure from PSV Eindhoven, according to Chelsea scout Piet de Visser, a process that continues to this day.
Rutten’s dismissal last month did not go down well with Chelsea, who have been known to send several of their youngsters to the Dutch club due in part to their effective youth management systems.
Visser told Voetbal International: "Chelsea did not want Rutten to leave in the summer. It was only Fred who had trouble with the [Vitesse] organisation."
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That "trouble" referred to Rutten’s criticism of the club’s leadership – following a heavy cup defeat to Ajax – over potential recruitment, as well as his apparent refusal to come in to work at a later time.
Player dissatisfaction was also mooted as a possible cause, despite securing European football for next season, and Visser added that the Stamford Bridge outfit had already begun talks over Vitesse’s next appointment.
He said: "Chelsea have asked me for an opinion and I will soon present it to [Vitesse] president Merab Jordania.
"There are already discussions taking place between Vitesse and Chelsea, just as happened when Fred Rutten was appointed.
"At that time I indicated that Rutten would make players better and that he has done.
"I have two names of Dutch trainers, men who have proven to make youth players better. But, at this stage, I cannot give any names or if the club is following my advice."
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