Interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink wants his side to continue their improvement in form against League One Scunthorpe in the FA Cup third round and avoid the possibility of a humiliating exit.
Hiddink won the competition during his first caretaker spell in 2009 and, although he did not watch last season’s fourth-round loss to Bradford — another League One side — the Dutchman called on the Blues to prevail.
“I didn’t see it [the Bradford game], but I know you must not stumble again,” he said.
Chelsea are unbeaten in four games since Jose Mourinho’s departure last month, and Hiddink said: “I’m happy with the restart of the team.
“For me the next step is very important. That’s why after a win against a very difficult team, as Crystal Palace are, you have to follow up.
“In the upcoming games we have to show what we’re capable of.”
Chelsea are without Eden Hazard, whose groin injury will see him miss Wednesday’s Premier League clash with West Brom and could also rule him out of the next fixture, against Everton.
The Blues must also manage Diego Costa carefully as the Brazil-born Spain striker is Chelsea’s only fit frontman, with Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy out injured.
“We have to be very cautious, careful about our striker, because that’s Diego at the moment,” Hiddink added. “Not having Remy and Falcao… it’s a little bit worrying.”
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