By Matt Law
Roman Abramovich will not waste any time in using Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona blueprint to build his second Chelsea empire – even if it takes another year to land the Spaniard.
Blues owner Abramovich remains determined to tempt Guardiola to Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea are ready to sound out Roberto Di Matteo on whether he would consider a one-year contract to hold the fort.
If Di Matteo is not keen on that arrangement, then Abramovich will consider turning to Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp as a safe pair of hands.
Fabio Capello has also made it clear that he would be prepared to fill in.
However, no matter who takes charge in the short or long-term, Abramovich will press ahead with his ambitious plan to create a new Chelsea in the image of Barca.
But the arrival on the scene of Manchester United as rivals for Guardiola will cause serious concern among the Chelsea hierachy.
United see Guardiola as the perfect fit to eventually succeed Sir Alex Ferguson in the Old Trafford hot-seat.
Abramovich has often shown his ruthless tenacity in pursuing a target. The Russian billionaire saw last weekend’s Champions League success as the culmination of his nine years at Stamford Bridge and now wants to begin a new regime.
The basic message from Abramovich will be to do it all over again, but this time in style.
If he cannot talk Guardiola out of taking a sabbatical, Abramovich is willing to wait 12 months to try again to get the Spaniard. But that will not stop him and technical director Michael Emenalo beginning to lay the Barca foundations themselves.
A source close to the Blues said: “Abramovich is willing to have Guardiola parked for a year if it means getting him. He will play the long game if he has to. Di Matteo and Harry Redknapp are options for one year.”
Guardiola has suggested he will be ready to return to management next year, saying: “I will receive all calls with pleasure, but for the next months I have to recharge my batteries and my mind. I will be ready if one club wants me and seduces me.”
Chelsea are working towards a 26- years-of-age and under rule on potential new signings in an effort to bring down the average age of their squad. They want a team that can grow for the next five years together.
Striker Radamel Falcao, who has been described by Guardiola as one of the most talented players in the world, is this summer’s main transfer target.Porto’s Hulk is also on their radar.
Chelsea are also fighting it out with Manchester City and United for Eden Hazard and retain an interest in Tottenham’s Luka Modric, Newcastle destroyer Cheick Tiote and Arsenal winger Theo Walcott.
Attacking midfielder Marko Marin has already been signed from Werder Bremen and Chelsea failed with a £32m bid for Sao Paulo’s Lucas Moura, underlining the fact Abramovich and Emenalo have already gone to work on their grand plan.
Abramovich is also convinced that Fernando Torres can be a success with the Blues if the team adopt a more Spanish style of play.
Other than just throwing money at the squad, as he has done in the past, Abramovich is determined to follow Barca’s example and start promoting from within.
He will expect talented left-back Ryan Bertrand, who made his Champions League debut in the final against Bayern Munich, midfielder Josh McEachran, Oriol Romeu and Nathan Chalobah are part of the first-team squad. Bertrand is likely to be rewarded for his performance in Munich with a new contract.
Abramovich does not want the club’s massive investment into the academy team that won this season’s FA Youth Cup go to waste with 18-year-old attacking midfielder Lucas Piazon and 16-year-old striker Islam Feruz earmarked for big things.
Just as Barca implement the same style of play and formation throughout all age levels at the club, Abramovich believes all the Chelsea teams must play the same attractive passing game. He no longer wants the club and squad to be famous for their attritional qualities and defensive strength.
