Claude Makelele returns to Stamford Bridge, this time as technical mentor for young players at the academy and those who are on loan.
The former Blues midfielder rejoined the club in the coaching position. He will work closely with individual academy players as well as tracking the technical performances in both training and games. Makelele is also tasked with visiting Blues players out on loan
“I am very happy to come back home,” said the 46-year-old Makelele. “This club gave me a lot and now I want to give back and help the young Chelsea players dreaming of a career in football.
“I want to use all my experience to help them become professionals in every aspect and I am looking forward to getting started.”
The former France international made a total of 217 appearances in his five-year stay at Stamford Bridge. He won two Premier League titles before leaving the English club to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2008. He retired playing professional football with the French club.
He also joined PSG’s coaching staff after he retired playing. Makelele also spent some time with Bastia, Swansea City and Eupen.
To date, Makelele is the latest former Chelsea players to return to Stamford Bridge to join the coaching staff following the appointment of Frank Lampard as head coach.
Club director Marina Granovskaia added: “We are very pleased to welcome Claude back to Chelsea, where he made such an impact during five excellent years as a player.
“His long and successful career on the field, added to his winning mentality and experience as a coach in recent years, make him the ideal person to pass on his expertise to our talented youngsters. He will be a valuable asset to both our academy and first-team coaching staff.”
Moreover, the Premier club have also tapped another former Chelsea and Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini. The former Blues net-minder has been tasked as technical manager for loan players. Cudicini first returned to the club in 2015 as ambassador but has been a member of Chelsea’s coaching staff.