Becoming the new Chelsea manager during the current Russian revolution is, in my eyes, a double-edged sword.

On the one hand you would inherit a squad brimming full of international players with the promise of a substantial amount of money to add more recruits. On the other hand, the expectation of immediate success from fans and boardroom (not to mention the interference from the billionaire owner into team matters) means the pressure from the outset is immense.

Already some have dropped out of the running; notably Guus Hiddink, the current coach of the Russian national side, whose agent claims his client will see out his contract, which runs until after the 2010 World Cup. Also, Jose Mourinho has dismissed the quite frankly ludicrous calls for his return.

'Ironically, Eriksson's one season in charge at Manchester City and his subsequent shabby treatment at the hands of chairman Thaksin Shinawatra has endeared him to a lot of people'


Other leading candidates include Luiz Felipe Scolari and Frank Rijkaard. Reportedly ‘Big Phil’ Scolari turned down the England manager’s job after Sven-Goran Eriksson departed because of the intrusiveness and vitriolic behaviour of the English media, so I hardly think life in the goldfish bowl that is Chelsea would appeal to him.

Similar thoughts apply to Rijkaard, who would have to be some sort of masochist to jump from the Barcelona frying pan into the Stamford Bridge fire.

In my opinion this leaves three realistic candidates for the job. Marcelo Lippi is currently unemployed after guiding Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 before taking a break from the game and he may wish to seek a whole new challenge in England.

Didier Deschamps has reportedly thrown his hat into the ring. A winner of every imaginable major honour as a player and as young promising coaching talent, this former Chelsea star could appeal to the fans.

But my money would be on Eriksson. Previously courted by Chelsea when Claudio Ranieri was on his way out, the former England manager has an exemplary CV in club management. Despite all the controversies and criticisms during his England tenure, he handled the media in a cool and level-headed way.

Ironically, his one season in charge at Manchester City and his subsequent shabby treatment at the hands of chairman Thaksin Shinawatra has endeared him to a lot of people.

Whoever it may be that climbs into the hot seat, beware. The double-edged sword will be hanging by a very thin thread above your head.