A big job awaits the new man at Stamford Bridge.
Guus Hiddink is set for a second spell as Chelsea’s interim manager but unlike the last time when he took over a squad of experienced players with a reliable backbone of Petr Cech, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba this time he inherits a team in disarray.
A run of nine defeats in the opening 16 games has the Premier League champions at the foot of the table approaching the halfway point of the season and leaves Hiddink with a big job on his hands if he is to stop the rot.
The game against Sunderland will give Hiddink a chance to assess the players’ mindset but then it will straight to work for the experienced coach. Here are six things he must address if he is going to save Chelsea’s season.
A run of nine defeats in the opening 16 games has the Premier League champions at the foot of the table approaching the halfway point of the season and leaves Hiddink with a big job on his hands if he is to stop the rot.
The game against Sunderland will give Hiddink a chance to assess the players’ mindset but then it will straight to work for the experienced coach. Here are six things he must address if he is going to save Chelsea’s season.
Unite the squad
Tension between Jose Mourinho and his squad was heavily reported in recent weeks and a part of Hiddink’s task will be getting everyone to pull together.
That shouldn’t be too hard given the talent of the squad and the presence of an experienced leader like John Terry. Six months ago this was a side that won the league so they must re-find that togetherness.Tension between Jose Mourinho and his squad was heavily reported in recent weeks and a part of Hiddink’s task will be getting everyone to pull together.
Settle on a starting line-up
One of the main problems Chelsea have faced this season is an unsettled team with senior stars including Thibaut Courtois, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa all named on the bench or injured for periods of time. A major factor in Chelsea’s success in winning the title last season was having a settled side and if they can return to that mentality success will follow.
One of the main problems Chelsea have faced this season is an unsettled team with senior stars including Thibaut Courtois, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa all named on the bench or injured for periods of time. A major factor in Chelsea’s success in winning the title last season was having a settled side and if they can return to that mentality success will follow.
Focus on silverware
In 2009 Guus Hiddink delivered the FA Cup and in 2012 Roberto Di Matteo won the Champions League and FA Cup as interim managers. That proves that even if form in the league is disastrous there is no reason to think you cannot make the season memorable for another reason. Chelsea are in the Champions League round of 16 and face Scunthorpe in the FA Cup third round giving two opportunities to target silverware.
In 2009 Guus Hiddink delivered the FA Cup and in 2012 Roberto Di Matteo won the Champions League and FA Cup as interim managers. That proves that even if form in the league is disastrous there is no reason to think you cannot make the season memorable for another reason. Chelsea are in the Champions League round of 16 and face Scunthorpe in the FA Cup third round giving two opportunities to target silverware.
Play attacking football
Oscar, Eden Hazard, Pedro, Willian, Cesc Fabregas and Kenedy are all capable of giving defences a hard time and all are proven performers who must take some responsibility for Chelsea’s poor form this season. A brief to play attacking football would help them return to form and fire Chelsea up the table.
Oscar, Eden Hazard, Pedro, Willian, Cesc Fabregas and Kenedy are all capable of giving defences a hard time and all are proven performers who must take some responsibility for Chelsea’s poor form this season. A brief to play attacking football would help them return to form and fire Chelsea up the table.
Get Diego Costa and Eden Hazard scoring
Diego Costa scored 20 goals in 26 Premier League games last season while Eden Hazard contributed 14, a figure he was expected to improve upon. However this season Costa has only managed three while Hazard has none. If a way to get their confidence back in front of goal can be found quickly then the only way for Chelsea is up.
Diego Costa scored 20 goals in 26 Premier League games last season while Eden Hazard contributed 14, a figure he was expected to improve upon. However this season Costa has only managed three while Hazard has none. If a way to get their confidence back in front of goal can be found quickly then the only way for Chelsea is up.
Give the kids a chance
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was promised a run in the Chelsea side this season, but despite being a player of major promise he has largely been confined to the bench. The Blues have one of the best academy systems in England and some promising young stars deserving of a chance to prove themselves. With the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne being allowed to leave in recent years it’s vitally important a culture of youth promotion begins.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was promised a run in the Chelsea side this season, but despite being a player of major promise he has largely been confined to the bench. The Blues have one of the best academy systems in England and some promising young stars deserving of a chance to prove themselves. With the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne being allowed to leave in recent years it’s vitally important a culture of youth promotion begins.
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