Guus Hiddink has warned Chelsea’s players they will face the axe if they do not show “great desire” to reverse the club’s miserable Premier League fortunes.
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Chelsea’s interim manager revealed he told his Blues squad to “look in the mirror” on Tuesday, as he plots the Stamford Bridge club’s path forward from Jose Mourinho’s sacking.
Hiddink has not ruled out helping Chelsea identify Mourinho’s long-term successor, but refused to be drawn on whether Didier Drogba would join his back-room staff.
Mourinho left Stamford Bridge last week with Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo citing a “palpable discord” with the players after nine defeats in 16 league matches.
“Yesterday I spoke fully to the squad and of course we talked a bit about the past,” said Hiddink. “Why I’m here, the reasons why we are down. But on the other hand I told them things happen in football and I want everyone to look in the mirror, not just for two seconds, but longer.
“And see what anyone can contribute from now on to raise us up. That was what I was emphasising, not to look back too much. There must be a great desire to play, yes? If you don’t have that desire, please knock on my door and we’ll talk – we’ll talk briefly.”
Former Netherlands boss Hiddink does not expect to remain at the club far beyond the end of the current season, as he reprises the caretaker role he first held in 2009.
The ex-Russia manager could help Chelsea chase Mourinho’s successor, with the likes of Pep Guardiola, Diego Simeone and Antonio Conte in the frame.
“At other clubs in the past I’ve been speaking from time to time with the board, but not in an official capacity,” said Hiddink, hinting at helping Chelsea’s board in their permanent manager search.
Hiddink was W11 D1 L1 in the Premier League and W16, D5 L1 overall.
— Chelsea Stats (@ChelseaStats) December 23, 2015
When asked if he would consider seeking the full-time job himself, Hiddink replied: “We spoke about until the end of the season. First we said let’s go to mid-May, and then let’s see. I will see what will happen. I shouldn’t be here, halfway into the season.
“That means things are not going as well as foreseen. But anyhow I’m glad to be back. I shouldn’t be here, but I am. That’s the reality of today’s situation, and I’m glad to be back.”
Drogba sat alongside Hiddink and club owner Roman Abramovich in Saturday’s 3-1 league victory over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge. The 37-year-old continues to be linked with a role in Hiddink’s short-term set-up, despite remaining contracted to Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer.
Hiddink reiterated his admiration for Drogba, but insisted the club’s board would handle any extra back-room recruits.
“He’s a legend already in this club. “Other people have to deal with that, not me,” he said.
