Guus Hiddink in a file photo in his previous spell at Chelsea. PHOTO/OmniSport
LONDON, December 18- According to Australia’s Football Association, former Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink has been lined up to replace Jose Mourinho at Premier League strugglers Chelsea.
The 69-year-old appears to be on the verge of sealing a return to the Stamford Bridge, following a brief stint at the Blues helm in 2009.
Hiddink suffered just one defeat during his time with the London outfit, steering Chelsea to the semi-finals of the Champions League and claiming the FA Cup trophy with a 2-1 win over Everton.
In a statement published on their website, the Australian FA said: “Guus Hiddink has taken temporary charge at struggling EPL giant Chelsea after the club announced they’d sacked coach Jose Mourinho overnight following the club’s disastrous run in the English Premier League.”
While Chelsea have to confirm the identity of Mourinho’s replacement, former Blues striker Mateja Kezman has confirmed that Hiddink will take up the reins at Stamford Bridge.
“I do not know if it is officially confirmed, whether the club has announced it, but Guus told me earlier,” Kezman told Croatian newspaper Index.
“I am convinced that with him Chelsea will recover. I would even say they are one of the favourites for the Champions League.”
He added: “I am not surprised by [owner Roman] Abramovich’s decision to [sack] Mourinho.
“Jose is a superb coach but the results and position in the league are catastrophic and unbecoming the reputation of a club like Chelsea.
“It is incredible that this team were champions last season and are now fighting for dear life in the Premier League.
“I think this decision is correct and Guus Hiddink is a great choice.”
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