Guus Hiddink believes Chelsea are improving through hard graft

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has urged his teammates not to get carried away after an overwhelming 3-0 triumph over Crystal Palace, saying they can’t afford to look too far ahead and need to take one match at a time in the English Premier League (EPL).

“Of course Hiddink has said some things that he wants us to do, some different aspects of the game. We’ve been disappointed with our results but we’ve shown what type of team we are”. We know we are responsible as well.

Chelsea are in FA Cup third-round action on Sunday when they welcome League One outfit Scunthorpe United to Stamford Bridge.

“Sometimes it’s his approach in how he wants us to train, maybe sometimes it’s a bit more tactical or a bit less”.

“The very talented players, they start working also, to invest in the dirty work and not just the attractive game they can play, because this league is very demanding. Now we are stepping up our game”. “Maybe we needed a little change to pick up our level”, he said.

Hiddink has since offered Mikel more playing time within the shortest period than Mourinho did in recent times – the Nigerian made four appearances for the Blues from August 18 to September 24, but that has been surpassed under the new Dutch manager. But I don’t think it is only the manager, the players have to take responsibility as well. The 59-year-old pundit, who was Hiddink’s assistant during his previous spell in charge of the club, expects the Dutch boss to lift the gloom surrounding the squad during the last days of Jose Mourinho’s reign.

Whilst Hiddink awaited resumption, Mikel featured for Chelsea under a caretaker manager, in the 3-1 win over Sunderland; his first since October 2015.

“Massive thanks to the fans and everyone who came here to support us, even those who couldn’t make it and watched it from home”.

“And if you think you can do it just on your quality, what’s more given by talent than nature, then this league will kill you”.