Claudio Ranieri must present his feedback to Chelsea's long-term strategy at a meeting with the chief executive Peter Kenyon today. The Italian had hoped to force a decision over his own future but the club's hierarchy will remain resolute until they are convinced he can satisfy their off-the-field ambitions at Stamford Bridge.
Kenyon submitted the plans to Ranieri and his representative Jon Smith at a similar summit last Thursday. The proposals outline Chelsea's expectations regarding the youth and academy set-up, the new training complex at Cobham in Surrey and the club's coaching, scouting and medical structure.
Ranieri, who has the full support of the first-team squad, feels a European-style general manager should be employed to fulfil this macro-management role. However, Kenyon considers extra tiers of management unnecessary.
Having developed Manchester United's worldwide marketing and merchandising operation, Kenyon has been charged with exploring similar opportunities with Chelsea and believes there would be too much crossover with his own position if a general manager were appointed.
Ranieri has enjoyed a position of strength following the wave of support he received for knocking Arsenal out at the Champions League quarter-final stage last week and it would be very difficult to dismiss him if he were to secure the European Cup.
But Kenyon and the Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich were disappointed with the side's Easter performances, which saw them lose ground on the Premiership leaders Arsenal. A goalless draw at home to Middlesbrough was followed by defeat at Aston Villa, probably ending Chelsea's title push.
None the less, discussions will continue after today, with Kenyon willing to entertain the possibility of Ranieri remaining with Chelsea beyond this season, provided the 52-year-old's wider vision for the club matches his.
It is clear, however, that Sven-Goran Eriksson, who turned down Chelsea to extend his England contract after leading them to believe he would switch to Stamford Bridge after Euro 2004, has no hope of taking over under Kenyon and Abramovich.
They feel betrayed by his decision to remain with England and will seek an alternative high-profile appointment if Ranieri fails to convince in the coming weeks.
