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Guss Hiddink has been appointed as manager by Chelsea, albeit until the end of the season. Following Jose Mourinho’s sacking on Thursday, Chelsea have acted swiftly to bring the Dutchman in as interim manager, just two days later.
In a statement on the club website, Chelsea revealed, “Chelsea Football Club can confirm Guus Hiddink has been appointed first-team manager until the end of the season.”
“The owner and the Board welcome back a coach with a wealth of top-level experience and success, including his previous spell with the club in 2009 when we lifted the FA Cup. Mr Abramovich and the Board believe that Guus has what it takes to get the best out of our talented squad.”
Guus Hiddink was similarly pleased to take the reins of Chelsea, saying, “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.”
Hiddink came to Chelsea’s rescue in the past
Hiddink reprises his role as interim manager, a position he occupied in February of 2009, where he guided a misfiring Chelsea to third place in the Premier League after a poor first half of the season. The Dutchman only lost a single game in charge of Chelsea, and capped off a wonderful spell with a FA Cup win.
Chelsea fans might be miffed about Jose Mourinho’s departure but will have fond memories of Hiddink, as the entirety of Stamford Bridge chanted his name in the final home game of the season & also unveiled a ‘thank you’ banner in the 2-1 FA Cup final at Wembley.
The Chelsea board are surely not going to give Mourinho a similar farewell, after the Portuguese manager released a statement with thinly veiled swipes at the Chelsea hierarchy.
Hiddink’s appointment has not taken place in time for the Dutchman to prowl the Stamford Bridge touchline against Sunderland. First team coach, Steve Holland will take charge alongside assistant Eddie Newton, with Hiddink watching from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic’s box seats.
