Guus Hiddink feels he can still get Chelsea back into the top four this season and issued a passionate call to his players, saying they have to “look in the mirror” and decide whether they have the necessary desire.
Hiddink, speaking in his first news conference since returning to Chelsea as interim manager, also defended his own patchy recent record in international football as well as the form of his sacked predecessor Jose Mourinho.
The Dutchman, who had a similar stint as interim boss in 2009, put much of Chelsea’s bad season down to the more open nature of the Premier League this season — but says that can also help them get back into the Champions League qualification places.
“Mathematically, it’s possible I can get this team into the top four, but the Premier League is a very strong league,” Hiddink said. “All the teams, they can kill each other in the Premier League. The league has changed since I was last here.”
The 69-year-old, who was sacked as Netherlands boss in June, said he was enthusiastic about the challenge ahead but said the players — whose desire was questioned by Mourinho — must show they also have passion.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate