Chelsea legend set for surprise career move as he closes in on job with European side
Claude Makelele is set to take his first managerial role in five years after saying yes to an exciting new opportunity.
The Chelsea legend's last job in football was at Stamford Bridge, where he spent four years in the role of technical mentor, before leaving his position in September 2023.
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But, after a year out from the game, Makelele will now be make his return with Greek side Asteras Tripolis, having agreed to take the vacant manager's job at the club.
The Frenchman assumes the role after the recent sacking of Milan Rastavac, who was relieved of his duties despite the club sitting fifth in the Greek Super League after three games.
Former former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane was in advanced talks to take the role, however, the 44-year-old opted not to proceed with negotiations.
Makelele's appointment marks the first time since 2019 that Makelele will take charge of a club, having last managed Belgian side Eupen for two years.
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Prior to this, the 51-year-old briefly served as head coach of Bastia in 2014, but lasted just six months in the role before being sacked, with his team second from bottom in the Ligue 1 table.
During his hiatus from management, Makelele returned to the club where he lifted the Premier League trophy twice as a player, becoming Chelsea's youth coach and technical mentor in 2019.
The Blues icon joined when former teammate Frank Lampard began his first season as manager, and was tasked with developing the club's academy stars.
He also visited players who were out on loan and provided regular feedback on their matches.
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However, since leaving his coaching role by mutual decision, the 2002 Champions League winner appears to have set his sights on a return to coaching, and now has the perfect opportunity to prove his managerial credentials with his new side.
He will be joined by former Swansea and Reading manager Paul Clement, who will serve as his assistant.
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The pair have previous experience working together, having both acted as assistant coaches to legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti at Paris Saint-Germain.
Makelele then joined Clement as his number two during his spell at Swansea in January 2017, having jumped at the chance.
Speaking at the time after reuniting with his former colleague, the former France international said: "Paul is my mentor. He has taught me a lot of things in my time working with him.
"When I heard he was back working in the Premier League, I phoned him and asked if I could help him at Swansea."
Clement brings some real pedigree to Makelele's coaching team, having previously worked under Ancelotti at Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, as well as at PSG.
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