Roman Abramovich is taking a hands-on role in how Chelsea will replace Michael Emenalo and wants to be sure the club remain stable through their latest period of change.

The owner is in the unique position of having a close ally resign, rather than being sacked, and the Russian has held meetings with all his key staff on the matter.

Abramovich’s business interests around the world mean that he cannot oversee the day-to-day running of Chelsea, but he will be more heavily involved after Emenalo stood down as technical director.

That was demonstrated by his visit to the club’s Cobham training ground after the victory over Bournemouth, when Abramovich held discussions with Emenalo over his decision but failed to change his mind.

Abramovich has also spoken to directors Marina Granovskaia and Eugene Tenenbaum, and chairman Bruce Buck.

Emenalo had indicated in the summer that he wanted to leave, but Abramovich had hoped to change his mind and the club found out only a few days ago that the 52-year-old had decided that this international break would be the right time to go.