Chelsea consider axing technical director role Michael Emenalo quit with Marina Granovskaia in line for additional power
Blues struggled in the summer when they missed out on a number of first-choice signings and their back-up plans have started slowly
CHELSEA are considering absolving Michael Emenalo’s technical director role at Chelsea, after he abruptly quit on Monday, according to the reports.
The Evening Standard claim The Blues are considering sharing out the former transfer guru’s duties with director Marina Granovskaia and the scouting staff already in place.
Academy director Neil Bath is already reporting directly to Granovskaia, who is seen as the most powerful person at the club after owner Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea’s transfer policy was a disruptive issue all summer, with a long list of deals falling through and manager Antonio Conte making his unhappiness public.
Premier League stars Romelu Lukaku and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain decided to join rivals, while Everton playmaker Ross Barkley stuck with the Toffees despite having a Chelsea medical.
Conte won the Premier League title in his first season with the club but his second – with the added Champions League fixtures – has been a tense affair so far.
Across the summer the club was linked with a raft of players from Serie A, where the former Juventus and Italy boss has most knowledge and experience.
But speculation around moves for Kalidou Koulibaly, Alex Sandro, Radja Nainggolan, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Belotti came to nothing.
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Instead Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Davide Zappacosta, Danny Drinkwater and Alvaro Morata were recruited, with only the Spanish striker looking an instant success.
When Emenalo’s exit was revealed, Granovskaia hinted that the club might not look at directly replacing the Nigerian, with a backroom revamp on the cards.
The Russian businesswoman – a major player for Abramovich for almost 20 years – said: “We are extremely grateful to Michael for his tireless work over the past 10 years.
“He has played an important role during the most successful period in the club’s history, helping make Chelsea the club it is today.
“We will now be reviewing our management structure, and Michael will be a part of that process as we look ahead.”
