Chelsea play down van Basten reports
Wednesday, 26 September 2007 16:57Chelsea have denied speculation they offered the manager's job to anyone other than Avram Grant.
Reports on Wednesday suggested the club had spoken to Holland coach Marco van Basten with regards to becoming the long-term successor to Jose Mourinho, who left Stamford Bridge last week.
Director of football Avram Grant was installed in the aftermath of the Portuguese's departure and, having lost 2-0 in his first match at Old Trafford, takes the team to Hull in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night.
'Contrary to media reports this morning, Chelsea Football Club totally refute that the job of manager or first-team coach has been offered to any individual other than Avram Grant,' said a club statement.
'No one at Chelsea FC has been authorised to speak to any individual about the post, either by the board or the owner.
'Also any suggestion that any team plans or arrangements have been changed due to representations from players is also totally false.
'Chelsea is considering its position regarding further action in light of these reports.'
