Cahill’s ready for a battle of the departing bosses
WHEN it comes to managerial uncertainty, Gary Cahill knows what he is talking about. It’s part and parcel of playing for Chelsea.
So when Manchester City arrive at Stamford Bridge for today’s FA Cup fifth-round clash, the Blues defender can empathise. Competing for a historic quadruple, City know boss Manuel Pellegrini will leave at the end of season, with Pep Guardiola arriving.
Behind the scenes at City’s state-of-the-art training complex there’s an air of apprehension among the squad. How many will remain at the club to see Guardiola work his magic?
‘You only know if you’re in the camp but I’d find it strange myself,’ admits England defender Cahill. ‘I think he [Pellegrini] has done a good job there, he comes across as a humble guy. It’s weird when you know the manager isn’t going to be there at the end of the season — but it’s a bit like ourselves at the moment.’
Guus Hiddink will leave as Chelsea’s interim manager at the end of the season, with Roman Abramovich committed to appointing a new man.
Chelsea are unbeaten domestically since Hiddink’s arrival, their only loss coming in Tuesday’s 2-1 away defeat by Paris SaintGermain in the Champions League.
City, in contrast, have lost two out of the three games since Pellegrini’s announcement.
‘It may be a good time to face them,’ says Cahill. ‘Or they could bounce back. This is a massive game: Chelsea v Manchester City. People have been saying this will be like the final and it will have that atmosphere and feeling.’