Chelsea have confirmed Guus Hiddink as their new manager until the end of the season following the departure of Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho parted company with the Premier League champions on Thursday after they suffered their ninth top-flight defeat of the season at Leicester.
Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Juande Ramos had been linked with the vacant post, but Hiddink arrived in London on Friday to open discussions with Chelsea.
Hiddink was previously appointed at Stamford Bridge in February of 2009 following the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari, when he led them to FA Cup glory.
He will be in attendance for the club’s Premier League match at home to Sunderland, although Steve Holland will be in charge for the fixture — Hiddink will oversee the side against Watford on Boxing Day.
The Dutchman said on the club’s official website: “I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around.
“I am looking forward to working with the players and staff at this great club and especially renewing my wonderful relationship with the Chelsea fans.”
The ex-Netherlands coach had expressed reservations about taking over on an interim basis for a second time, telling De Telegraaf: “I want to get some good insight before I make my decision.”
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