Chelsea turn to Hiddink, win against Sunderland

Former Socceroos and Netherlands national team coach Guus Hiddink has been named Chelsea’s interim boss until the end of the season, and will attempt to steer the club to a top-four finish in his second spell at Stamford Bridge.

Hiddink was at Stamford Bridge for last night’s match with Sunderland but Mourinho’s No. 2, Steve Holland, will take control of the team alongside Eddie Newton, who is now assistant first-team coach.

Dutchman Guus Hiddink, who was caretaker boss of Chelsea in 2009, was yesterday put in temporary charge again.

“Mourinho is pleased that he returned to Chelsea football club because he was able to give the fans another Premier League title, which they had not won for many years”, the statement read.

“We know that it is not good enough for us, the players know that, I know that, the board knows that and the fans know that”, Van Gaal told Sky Sports.

He added: “‘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”.

“Jose hopes that his future after Chelsea this time will be as successful as when he left the club in 2007”, the statement read.

But fans have come out lending their support to Mourinho, with some still opting to wear Jose memorabilia, while a banner reading “With you Jose” continues to have its pride of place in the stadium.

Blues chairman Bruce Buck used his programme notes to shed some light on the events of the past few days after owner Roman Abramovich’s patience finally ran out. I assure you it was not taken lightly.

“Firstly, because there will be big clubs that want him and secondly because I think he’s a guy who needs and wants football and he’s not the sort of guy who’s going to spend eight months at home doing nothing”.

“This club is not deserving to be in the position where we are now, but the only way to change this is we have to win the games, we have to get the points and to go out of this situation very strong”.

Branislav Ivanovic believes that all of Chelsea’s players “deserve” to be criticised for their performances this season.

“We have quality players, I’ve no doubt about that, and the players care, and they had to show that on the pitch”.

Chelsea, embroiled in their worst start to a league season since 1978, were one point above the relegation zone ahead of yesterday’s home clash with fellow strugglers Sunderland but responded with a 3-1 victory.