Ten Cate confirms talks
08 Oct 2007 - 08:52:37
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- Ten Cate confirms talks
Ajax coach Henk ten Cate has confirmed that he has been approached by Chelsea about taking on a role at Stamford Bridge.
The former assistant to Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard is believed to be Blues coach Avram Grant's first choice to work with him at Chelsea.
Last week ten Cate had cooled reports of a possible move from Holland to London, but has now told RTL4-television: "There has to be a solution between Ajax and Chelsea.
"If that doesn't happen I will stay with Ajax and otherwise there is a chance I will leave."
Before the weekend he had said: "Despite the fact that we (Ajax) are now out of the Champions League and UEFA Cup, I still feel secure in my position.
"I don't want to say more about all the speculation about me and Chelsea."
Meanwhile, Grant insists Andriy Shevchenko still has a role to play at Chelsea, despite being relegated to the substitute's bench for the recent wins against Valencia and Bolton.
A story in The Guardian on Monday suggested the pair had fallen out, but Grant said of the Ukraine international: "We have a long season and he is trying hard. He is a great player.
"I am sure he will be good for Chelsea. In this game we needed other players.
"They pay me to be in charge. I have to be in charge and take the decision for the present and the future. I want to take the team forward."