Guus Hiddink spoke to the media this afternoon ahead of his side’s visit to Arsenal on Sunday. Chelsea travel to the Emirates to face the league leaders, who sit 12 places and 19 points above them.
The Blues boss is still unbeaten during his second spell as interim manager but arguably needs to start winning games, after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Everton last weekend, that saw John Terry grab a 97th-minute equaliser.
Hiddink has fond memories against Arsenal, winning two ties against the Gunners when he was in charge of Chelsea in 2009. One win came in the FA Cup semi-final when goals from Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba secured a 2-1 victory, and the other came in the Premier League when Chelsea put four past Arsenal at the Emirates on the last day of the 2008/09 season. The Blues won that game 4-1.
Ahead of Sunday’s match, Hiddink provided an injury update on Eden Hazard, confirming the winger will be available for selection.
Guus Hiddink says Eden Hazard has trained fully the last few days and is available for selection for Sunday. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 22, 2016
He also gave news about Diego Costa.
Hiddink says Diego Costa hasn’t been able to train much this week but is also available for selection. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 22, 2016
Hiddink then reiterated his intentions to guide Chelsea up the table, to where they belong.
Hiddink: ‘My main task is to get the team to where we desperately want to be. I’m focused on that job.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 22, 2016
He went on to say that the club are still hoping results will improve, even though Chelsea haven’t lost since Hiddink took over.
Hiddink: ‘Everyone knows where we were in December. So far we are unbeaten but we cannot be fully satisfied with results.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 22, 2016
The Chelsea boss couldn’t help but reminisce about his side’s famous victory against the Gunners in 2009.
Hiddink on beating Arsenal 4-1 at the Emirates in 2009: ‘That’s a long time ago, a lot has changed but I remember it well.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 22, 2016
Attention then turned to Branislav Ivanovic, who today signed a one-year contract extension with the club.
Hiddink on Ivanovic: ‘He’s important, one of the main characters and has developed himself as a key member of the first team.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 22, 2016
Hiddink wrapped up the press conference with some kind words for former goalkeeper Petr Cech, who was part of his side in 2009, but will line up against the Blues on Sunday.
Hiddink: ‘Petr Cech is doing very well. He’s a great professional and a very nice person. He’s had some strong performances.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 22, 2016
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