Chelsea explain reasons for Guus Hiddink appointment in statement
Chelsea's board is backing Guus Hiddink to lead the Blues out of trouble following Jose Mourinho's sacking
Chelsea’s board is confident that Guus Hiddink has what it takes to guide the club out of trouble after he was appointed as the Blues’ manager until the end of the season.
The news was confirmed via a statement on Chelsea’s official website on Saturday afternoon in the build-up to the home clash with Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
The Dutchman, who also managed the Blues for the final three months of the 2008-09 season, takes over from Jose Mourinho following the Portuguese coach’s sacking on Thursday afternoon.
The west London club said that owner Roman Abramovich is backing the Dutchman to reverse the Blues’ ailing fortunes.
Hiddink takes over with Chelsea languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table and just one point above the relegation zone, their top-flight title defence in tatters.
Chelsea statement on Guus Hiddink appointment
The owner and the board welcome back a coach with a wealth of top-level experience and success, including his previous spell with the club in 2009 when we lifted the FA Cup.
Mr Abramovich and the board believe that Guus has what it takes to get the best out of our talented squad.
He took over at Stamford Bridge in February 2009, replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari, and led the Blues to FA Cup glory.
Earlier on Saturday, Mourinho’s management agency released this statement on behalf of the Portuguese coach.
