Claude Makelele speaks out as Chelsea hero sacked as manager after just three weeks

Claude Makelele haș opened up on his nightmare spell in charge of Greek Super League side Asteras Tripolis. The Chelsea icon was only appointed as manager in mid-September, but has already left his role after just four games.

A 3-1 win at Kallithea proved to be his final match, with his side sixth in the table.

And now the Frenchman, 51, has explained why his relationship with the club had deteriorated so rapidly.

“They promised me full control of the team,” he told LondonWorld. “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. In the last game, they insisted a key player (Darnell Eric Bile) should be benched. The player has a small amateur salary, but he’s the best player in the team.”

The decision appeared justified, given the forward contributed two second-half assists to help seal the three points. But the ex-midfielder also alleged club bosses were trying to punish the 18-year-old because he’s yet to agree a new deal.

And Makelele, who also played for Real Madrid and PSG, said his attempts to change the style and culture of the club did not go down well. “They were used to long balls, second balls, but I made them understand that whether you win, lose, or draw, you need to learn to play football,” he added.

“I’m a manager who looks forward. When I take responsibility for the players, I know what I can and cannot do. I love the job, but I can’t accept when people interfere and tell me what I can or cannot do.

Prior to heading to Greece, Makelele had spent two years back at Chelsea in a coaching capacity, leaving his role by mutual consent in September 2023. During that period, he was widely praised for his work with younger players, and has now backed himself to return to management.

“I’ll see what’s coming next,” he said. “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.”

As well as working at Stamford Bridge, Makelele has also had short stints in charge of French side Bastian and Eupa in Belgium. He’s also served as technical director at Monaco.