Chelsea’s Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, has rejected the resignation of former Super Eagles’ defender, Michael Emenalo, who wants to quit his post as the club’s technical director.
Emenalo believes the arrival of Jose Mourinho would create a conflict with his position.
The resignation was hitherto rejected by Abramovich, who believes in the importance of the work of Emenalo to the club.
Emenalo previously worked in both the scouting and coaching departments before being promoted to his current role in July 2011.
He has been an important part of the first team management structure since his arrival in October 2007 and now supports the work of the first team manager, leading the club’s international and domestic scouting network, and assists in driving the technical programmes of the Academy and international youth network.
He previously worked as both head of opposition scouting and assistant first team coach under Carlo Ancelotti, arriving at Chelsea when former manager, Avram Grant, called upon a trusted ex-player from his Maccabi Tel Aviv days.
The pair worked together between 1998 and 2000, the tail end of a playing career for the former Nigerian international, who made his debut in 1985.
Emenalo won 14 caps for Nigeria and played in the 1994 World Cup in the USA, missing the first game through injury but then playing against Argentina and Greece before the Super Eagles of Nigeria were knocked out by a Roberto Baggio-inspired Italy.
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