How Hiddink Might Give Chelsea What They Need

By: Rob | February 15th, 2009

Last week, I did a post explaining what I thought was needed at Stamford Bridge - mainly, a big makeover. Root out the complacency, build a new team. I wondered aloud if anyone would be given that sort of responsibility by Roman Abramovich, who has seemingly has partial control transfers since the middle of Jose Mourinho’s reign.

The temporary appointment of Guus Hiddink didn’t really do anything to take away that thought. He’s only in part time, so why would he worry about overhauling the squad.

Apparently though, he think he can take the job full-time, along with the Russia job, and will look to overhaul the squad in the summer. Frankly, this is a genius move on Hiddinks part. If he stays, then maybe he will get that, as its what he wants. If he goes, Chelsea fans will look to the fact he wasn’t give complete control.

The short term effect will be that players will start to perform again, worried that their position at the club is no longer safe.

So however long Guus is at the Bridge, you can expect some of the superstars to start to perform again. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll be enough to rescue Chelsea’s season.

Abramovich undoubtedly has alot of respect for Hiddink, he got him the Russia job afterall. If anyone is going to be given the sort of transfer freedom that Chelsea need to exist as a club rather than turning into a kareoke-Real Madrid, it is going to be Guus.

You can trace back the loss of Scolari to Roman’s refuseal to give the Brazillian the money to match Manchester City’s bid for Robinho. Jose Mourinho fell out with Roman over his buying of Shevchenko. Avram Grant was never given any room to move.

A manager in control is what they need – is it going to be Hiddink? Or is it all mind games?