Post by gw on Feb 17, 2007 11:51:38 GMT -1
Chelsea assistant boss Steve Clarke has insisted that owner Roman Abramovich is not losing interest in the club.
The Russian billionaire has not attended any of Chelsea's last six matches, leading to speculation that he could be considering his position.
But ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie with Norwich, Clarke said: "Roman has been on business. He is back today and we're looking forward to seeing him.
"There is no question he is committed to Chelsea."
Abramovich will be in the stands as Chelsea play host to the Canaries in the fifth round.
And Clarke admits it will be good for the club as a whole - and he hopes it will also send out a message to the doubters.
I see no reason why Chelsea would want to get rid of me
Steve Clarke
Clarke added: "Roman doesn't have to prove anything else. It's good when you see him with and around the team. He enjoys being with the players and coaching staff.
"It will be good for the atmosphere around the club and maybe the speculation over why he's not there will stop.
"He has been in Russia taking care of business and, if you're worth that amount of money, it's understandable when he has matters to take care of."
Clarke's contract expires at the end of the season but the former Blues defender is in no hurry to begin negotiations over a new deal.
He said: "It's not difficult when I see speculation about other coaches being brought in.
"I focus on my job. I'm a level-headed fellow and the speculation doesn't affect me. I've been at this club for 18 out of the last 20 years.
"I see no reason why they would want to get rid of me. I sleep very well at night and look forward to the next day of work.
"I haven't spoken to manager Jose Mourinho at all about my contract. Contracts are a personal thing for me and it's the same for the boss."
The Russian billionaire has not attended any of Chelsea's last six matches, leading to speculation that he could be considering his position.
But ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie with Norwich, Clarke said: "Roman has been on business. He is back today and we're looking forward to seeing him.
"There is no question he is committed to Chelsea."
Abramovich will be in the stands as Chelsea play host to the Canaries in the fifth round.
And Clarke admits it will be good for the club as a whole - and he hopes it will also send out a message to the doubters.
I see no reason why Chelsea would want to get rid of me
Steve Clarke
Clarke added: "Roman doesn't have to prove anything else. It's good when you see him with and around the team. He enjoys being with the players and coaching staff.
"It will be good for the atmosphere around the club and maybe the speculation over why he's not there will stop.
"He has been in Russia taking care of business and, if you're worth that amount of money, it's understandable when he has matters to take care of."
Clarke's contract expires at the end of the season but the former Blues defender is in no hurry to begin negotiations over a new deal.
He said: "It's not difficult when I see speculation about other coaches being brought in.
"I focus on my job. I'm a level-headed fellow and the speculation doesn't affect me. I've been at this club for 18 out of the last 20 years.
"I see no reason why they would want to get rid of me. I sleep very well at night and look forward to the next day of work.
"I haven't spoken to manager Jose Mourinho at all about my contract. Contracts are a personal thing for me and it's the same for the boss."