Hiddink: Facts about Mourinho’s replacement at Chelsea

Hiddink first came in the picture following Luiz Scolari’s sack after a seven-month management stint at Stamford Bridge.

From topping the league after thirteen games, things went from sweet to sour for Scolari.

First an exit from the League Cup by Burnley, a home loss to Liverpool – their first in 86 matches and since 2007; defeats by Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and series of draws, Chelsea drops to fourth place by February, risking Champions League non-appearance.

Scolari was sacked on February 9 and Hiddink – then Russian manager, was brought in to salvage the remainder of the season.

Hiddink, as interim coach, revived a crumbling Chelsea team that had little hope for title contention, into one that would lift the FA Cup for the fifth time.

He ensured they looked forward to a positive 2010 season with champions League qualification, even as he left the club with tears in the eyes of the players.

“I realised I was wasting my breath after the 20th time of asking,” Terry said after plea upon pleas fell to unwavering ears of a resolute Dutchman.

Terry described him as a manager who was ‘spot on’ and ‘did everything well’.

With a ‘mutual consent’ to part ways, Jose Mourinho left Chelsea on Thursday and the Dutchman has been called to rescue the team from the catastrophe surrounding it.

The 69 year-old Dutchman  had meetings with Chelsea management on Friday and was confirmed on Saturday, to lead the team through to the end of the 2015/2016 season.

There is no doubt Roman Abramovich would at this point do anything to change the faith of the club and Hiddink appears to be that messiah to turn fortunes around.

Hiddink, who  said he will not just jump in for the job, said he would ensure he made the right decision taking charge of the team for the second time.

“I want to gain as much information as possible. Chelsea is in a bad situation and there are reasons for that… I want to have insight,” Hiddink said on Friday.

FACTS ABOUT HIDDINK

Hiddink is vastly experienced, from club-to-club level – he has coached some of the best sides in the world with laudable success; leading South Korea to a fourth place finish at Korea/Japan 2002.

On two different spells, from 1987-1990 and 2002-2006, Hiddink has won six Dutch league titles with and the European Cup with PSV Eindhoven.

Hiddink only lost one out of the 22 games in-charge at Chelsea – the 1-1 draw at home to Barcelona after the first had ended goalless.

Hiddink led Chelsea to a 4-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates – the club’s highest win over the gunners in the Premier League.

As interim manager at Chelsea in 2009, he maintained his position of head coach with the Russian team, thereby becoming the highest paid coach.

He is a team player and manager, capable of holding down the dressing room and meting out disciplinary measures when necessary.

Van Aerle, former PSV player told UEFA.com about the 69 year-old “will never take all the credit for himself, he will also involve his staff in it.

”That adds to the strong sense of unity. Hiddink has final responsibility, but always shares it with the team around him.

”He is a real team player.”

Upon the confirmation on Saturday, Hiddink will be present at Chelsea’s home game to Sunderland but will resume full duty in their next game.