Former Chelsea midfielder agrees surprise deal to become new coach of European side

Former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele is set to become the new head coach of Greek Super League side Asteras Tripoli, LondonWorld understands.  Makelele, who made 217 appearances for the Blues during his career where he won two Premier League titles, left Chelsea as a player in 2008 but returned to the club 11 years later as a youth and technical mentor. He had short spells at Bastia and Belgian side Eupen as a coach before joining Clement as his assistant at Swansea City in January 2017.

Joining Makelele in Greece will be Paul Clement, whose CV includes prestigious roles at Real Madrid, where he was part of the coaching team that won the Champions League under Carlo Ancelotti, as well as stints at Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. His time as head coach of Swansea City in the Premier League also showcased his managerial potential, guiding the club to safety in his first season. Clement’s coaching philosophy has been shaped by his years working with elite managers and players across Europe, making him an invaluable asset to the Greek side.  Additionally, LondonWorld has learned that Makelele will be joined by Raphael Fevre as an assistant coach.