Cardiff In Talks With Ex-Chelsea And Real Madrid Midfielder Claude Makelele Over Vacant Managerial Role

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid defensive midfielder Claude Makelele is reportedly in talks with Cardiff City over the vacant managerial role at the Championship club.

Claude Makelele In Talks Over Cardiff Manager Job

Claude Makelele is reportedly in talks over a sensational return to English football, with Wales-based Championship side Cardiff City eyeing up the Frenchman to take up their vacant managerial role.

The Bluebirds parted ways with their previous manager, Erol Bulut, after he managed just one point from their opening six league matches of the campaign. Interim manager Omer Riza has since led the Welsh side to one victory and a second draw, however they remain at the bottom of the second-tier table with just five points.

While Riza has put himself forward for the job on a permanent basis, Cardiff will reportedly look elsewhere, with LondonWorld claiming that Makelele and Reading boss Ruben Selles are among those named on their shortlist.

Exclusive: Chelsea and Real Madrid legend Claude Makélélé in talks over becoming next Cardiff City managerhttps://t.co/CS8z8E1tbM

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) October 11, 2024

Makelele, a legendary defensive midfielder formerly of Chelsea, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and France, already has coaching experience within the English game, and Wales for that matter, as he was previously Paul Clement’s assistant at Cardiff’s bitter rivals Swansea City.

Talks linking 51-year-old Makelele with a move to the Welsh capital come following his departure from Greek side Asteras Tripolis, where he spent just three weeks at the helm.

The Frenchman explained his decision to leave the Greek Super League outfit in an interview with London World, revealing that members of the club hierarchy interfered when it came to team selection.

“I love the job, but I can’t accept when people interfere and tell me what I can or cannot do,” he said.

“They promised me full control of the team. It was my decision who played or didn’t play. Transfers were not my responsibility.

“If you want to sack me because the results are not good, that’s fine. This is football. But I don’t want people telling me who should or shouldn’t play.”

He continued: “I’ll see what’s coming next. I want to make players progress. I’m happy when I see managers like Arteta, Guardiola, and Klopp – they make mistakes, but they understand how to help players grow into big players. Every big player needs their teammates to win games and progress.”

If Makelele is appointed as Cardiff boss, it would be his fourth managerial role in senior football, following spells at Bastia and Eupen, as well as his short stint at Asteras Tripolis.