Chelsea midfielder Oscar has hailed Guus Hiddink for his positive influence and has expressed his belief that the Dutchman could become the permanent manager at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Guus Hiddink suffered only his second loss in all competitions in the 2-1 defeat to PSG on Tuesday, and is yet to taste defeat in the Premier League since taking charge of the club for a second time in December last year.
Several of the Blues’ star performers from last season, including Diego Costa and Cesc Fàbregas, have experienced an improvement in form since the Dutchman’s arrival, and attacking midfielder Oscar believes that he has raised his game as well.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun newspaper, the Brazilian said: “[Hiddink] has a very positive influence here and we’ve been playing well. We’ve had a lot of draws in that time but overall, in the Premier League, things have been going a lot better and it has given a huge boost of confidence to all the players.
“And also for me on a personal level because I’m playing much better. He said all the things we wanted to hear as players which was to get back to winning ways and playing much better football like we were doing so last season.”
The 24-year-old also suggested that the Dutchman could become Chelsea’s next permanent manager and stay beyond the summer. “Based on how well Guus has been doing so far he could very well stay,” Oscar added.
“We’ve been playing very well as a team. Confidence is up and the whole club is happy at the moment. Since he’s a popular figure, there’s a good chance he’ll stay.”
EXCLUSIVE: Oscar admits there is a “good chance” Guus Hiddink could stay at Chelseahttps://t.co/iLKFn6KfhB #CFC pic.twitter.com/cNWNOB41ZL
— The Sun – Football (@TheSunFootball) February 21, 2016
Hiddink record at Chelsea excellent, but Dutchman unlikely to be permanent manager
Guus Hiddink has a superb record with Chelsea, winning 64% of his 22 Premier League games across his two spells in charge of the club. The 69-year-old has just two defeats in the 34 matches he has overseen in all competitions, and has previously guided the club to FA Cup glory, a feat he will no doubt try and repeat this campaign.
Despite his exemplary record, it is unlikely that Roman Abramovich and the Chelsea board will consider him as a viable candidate for the manager’s position beyond this season. One of the primary reasons could well be his age, particularly if the Blues are attempting to find another long-term solution at the club.
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte, Diego Simeone and Massimiliano Allegri have all been linked with the top job at Chelsea. Their recent achievements in European football overshadow those of Hiddink, while the trio also have the advantage of being younger by over two decades compared to the former Netherlands boss.
As much as Oscar may like to work under him next season, Hiddink will probably bid farewell to the club at the end of this season.
