Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has told his players that relegation could be possible if they do not improve their form. The Blues looked like they were back on the rise after Hiddink replaced Jose Mourinho, but a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge against West Brom on Wednesday night saw them lose out on an opportunity to climb up the table.
Although the home side looked to have sealed all three points, Baggies midfielder James McClean managed to get an equaliser in the 86th minute saw the two teams share the spoils. The result left Chelsea in 14th place – six points above the relegation zone.
In 21 games, the defending champions have only won six times, drawin another six and losing nine. The London side also have a negative goal difference which could work against them for the time being if they move up a couple of spots.
We have two very difficult games: Hiddink
The Blues host Everton at home on Saturday before taking on Arsenal at the Emirates next weekend. And Hiddink stressed on their current situation and what they needed to do to rectify it in two “difficult games”.
“We all like to look forward, but don't be unrealistic when you are six points above the relegation line, that is a fact," Hiddink explained.
“It was a setback in the 86th minute we got this draw against West Brom which would've helped us a lot in going up I think, so relegation is a reality.
“When we started we were one point above the relegation line, and now we have a little bit more of a breathe, but we have two very difficult games coming up, against Everton who have a very good away record in the last 10 games. Then Arsenal – two very difficult games.
“If you don't gather those points, the Premier League can surprise you,” he concluded.
Eden Hazard will not move to Real Madrid in January: Hiddink
When questioned about the prospect of Real Madrid bidding for the reigning PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard, Hiddink was quick to end any speculation. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were handed transfer bans for the next two windows and reports suggested they would go all out to strengthen their squads this month.
“All big clubs are looking to big players,” Hiddink said. “But both Madrid clubs have protested and I am not sure if they can use this transfer window or the next one, or if it will be postponed, but I don't expect much of this in this window.”
The Blues were also linked with Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato but Hiddink claimed he was happy with his squad and said the rumours had no truth in them.
“No, no truth in it, we now have Diego [Costa], [Loic] Remy and some youngsters who can fill up the gap, we are not in that at the moment,” Hiddink said.
