Insider: Doors are open for Pep Guardiola to take over at Chelsea

Guillem Balague believes that Jose Mourinho’s sacking could pave the way for Pep Guardiola to take over at Chelsea in the near future.

The speculation about who could take over at Stamford Bridge following Mourinho’s departure has been gathering pace in the hours following the Portuguese coach’s dismissal on Thursday.

Guus Hiddink is the heavy favourite to take the reins at the west London club after he was spotted arriving in London on Friday.

However, Spanish football expert Balague believes that the door will be open wider than ever for Guardiola should he want to take charge of Chelsea, with the former Barcelona boss widely tipped to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Speaking on Sky Sports News HQ, Balague said: “I think it’s a blank cheque for Guardiola. If he wants to come to Chelsea, the doors are open for him – and more than ever now.

“At some points it even looked like they were building the Chelsea squad for Guardiola.

“He didn’t say no, he’s flirted in the past with Chelsea, but he hasn’t said yes to anybody either.

“Quite clearly he’s going to say goodbye to Bayern Munich and next he will have to decide what he wants to do.”

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It remains to be seen whether Hiddink could be placed in charge of Chelsea in time for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.