Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink addressed the media for the first time since taking charge of the club for his second interim spell. The Dutchman talked about how it felt to be back in the Premier league with Chelsea, and also stated that Eden Hazard will be an important figure for them between now and the end of the season.
Guus Hiddink, who was made interim manager at Chelsea in 2009, returned to Stamford Bridge for his second interim spell. Chelsea lost just once in 24 matches under the former Holland manager.
Glad to be back
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Speaking at a media room in Cobham, Hiddink expressed his delight over being back at Chelsea, after a fairly successful first spell.
“I shouldna t be here halfway through the season because it means things arena t going as well as foreseen at the beginning of the season, but Ia m glad to be back,” said Hiddink, as reported by Chelseafc.
“It was a few years ago I was here in a similar situation and I tried to help out when I was asked to do so. I have a lot of love for the club and to work with the players is always a pleasure.”
Hazard a key player
Eden Hazard has been largely anonymous this season, and is going through the worst goal-draught of his career. But Hiddink is confident that the Belgian will pull his socks up, and provide the spark that saw his named Player Of The Season last season.
‘He had a terrific season last year and its normal to have a little setback,’ he said.
‘He can be a key player when he is captain of the Belgium national team, but also here he can be a key player when he gets back in shape. He was unlucky to be injured recently but with him he needs to get that eagerness to perform back.
How the fans will respond to Hiddink’s first game in charge.
The Chelsea fans have expressed their exasperation over Jose Mourinho’s sacking, but they will also be aware of the positive impact Hiddink had in 2009. It will be interesting to see how the fans react when the Blues take the field for the first time under Guus Hiddink.
Chelsea FC face Watford at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.