Chelsea agree youth link up with Slovenian club Maribor

25 November 2010 18:08
Slovenian table toppers Maribor have announced a link-up with Chelsea that promises a gateway to Stamford Bridge for some of east Europe's most talented teens.[LNB]Maribor's sporting director Zlatko Zahovic, the legendary former Slovenia playmaker, says the Blues came to them with the request and came to an agreement in talks this week.[LNB] Youth product: Palermo's Josip Ilicic, right, came through the Maribor academy[LNB]'When I asked why exactly they had chosen NK Maribor, I was very surprised,' said the 39-year-old. [LNB]'They know a lot about our club and soccer school, and underlined players they believe they can get to the highest level.[LNB]'Their scouting service has come to the conclusion that our club and work at schoolboy sport level deserves special attention.'[LNB] Sporting director: Slovenian legend Zlatko Zahovic is now involved at Maribor [LNB]Promising midfielders Josip Ilicic and Armin Bacinovic recently left the club for Palermo, while Portuguese side Nacional snapped up Dejan Skolnik and Rene Mihelic. [LNB]The moves lead Zahovic to conclude: 'Examples of our players show they are immediately prepared for the highest demands of European football. [LNB]'Maribor in (Chelsea's) eyes guarantees success.[LNB]'I'm sure in the future someone from NK Maribor will be wearing a Chelsea shirt, either at schoolboy, youth or first team level.'[LNB]Maribor now expect to send over staff in the new year to learn from Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff, particularly sharing information at academy level. Back off, Chelsea! Partizan Belgrade insist teen defender Savic is not for saleMrs Thiago Silva has bad news for Chelsea as wife refuses to leave MilanSwansea plan Sturridge emergency loan bid and eye young Gunner VelaCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail