Chelsea 2 Wigan 1: Lampard's winner isn't kidding Hiddink
All around him, fans were celebrating and his staff were ecstatic. Yet Guus Hiddink, Chelsea's new manager, stood impassive, arms folded and grimfaced, a pose that has become familiar in the past 10 days.
He is Sir Alf Ramsey reincarnated, in temperament at least, keeping his head when all round are losing theirs. Frank Lampard had just headed home a winner over Wigan in the 90th minute and Stamford Bridge had erupted in sheer relief.
Not Hiddink, however. He makes encouraging noises about the commitment and the reaction of his players but he knows this Chelsea side need to improve - and quickly. 'I'm happy and satisfied for the win but the way we gave away control in the second half is not super-satisfying,' said Hiddink.
How's that for starters: John Terry opens the scoring at Stamford Bridge
'I have to be happy but also critical. We have to improve tactically when we are on and off the ball. 'If the boys can always guarantee a last-minute win, then I can suffer for 90 minutes on the bench. But no one can give me that guarantee. What I like to see is that the game is killed when you're dominating in the first period.'
Yesterday his side were labouring, stumbling towards another draw at home, the kind that became familiar under Luiz Felipe Scolari. Chelsea had the better of the game, the pick of the chances but had allowed themselves to be caught out in the final 10 minutes, thanks to slack defending.
Yet as the fourth official held up the board that indicated three minutes of added time, John Terry played a long ball, hoping for once to outwit Wigan's excellent defensive partnership of Emmerson Boyce and Titus Bramble.
Michael Ballack flicked the ball on and Lampard directed a header home to lift Chelsea to second in the table. But Chelsea were fortunate that referee Lee Probert did not rule out the goal because Lampard held Mario Melchiot.
Party time: new Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink and assistant Ray Wilkins celebrate John Terry's opener
Wigan manager Steve Bruce was right to be utterly dismayed, for his team deserved better after a fine performance. As for the title race, Manchester United remain seven points clear with a game in hand and Hiddink is no romantic dreamer.
'I'm rather realistic,' he said. 'That's to say we have first to win our games - and hopefully a little bit more comfortably than we did today. And second, we have to ask Edwin van der Sar if he would like to let the ball in the back of his net. I don't think he would be willing to do so.
'A stable team like Manchester United are in a good seat. But as long as we have a possibility, and as long as it's not decided, we will aim for it and that's what the team showed last week at Villa Park and today.'
Wigan had the best of the opening chances and Paul Scharner should have put them ahead on 18 minutes when clear through on goal. A minute later Ashley Cole headed off the line from Bramble's header.
'Two chances in two minutes!' reflected Bruce. 'I don't think I've had two chances in the last two years here! But we didn't take them and we needed to.'
In the wars: Didier Drogba battles for possession with Mario Melchiot
Chelsea then awoke, John Mikel Obi forcing an excellent save from Chris Kirkland before the goal came on 25 minutes.
Lampard crossed into the six-yard area, Boyce headed the ball away but only to Terry on the edge of the area. The Chelsea captain's leftfooted volley was impressive but it was the deflection by Boyce that beat Kirkland.
The goal will go down as Terry's and his 35th for the club takes him past Peter Sillett, from the Fifties, as the club's highest-scoring defender. Lampard forced another sharp save from Kirkland in the 37th minute and Bramble was again required to clear off the line when Drogba finally managed to get past the Wigan keeper.
Yet Wigan kept coming and Scharner should have scored with a diving header after Maynor Figueroa provided an excellent looping cross. Four minutes later it seemed they had a point for their travails. Figueroa again provided the cross and Olivier Kapo stuck out a leg to deflect it in. They celebrated in the corner in front of their fans, though it turned out to be premature.
Delivering on time: Frank Lampard wheels away in delight after scoring Chelsea's late winner
Hiddink: Chelsea can greatly improve
Guus Hiddink said he was satisfied with Chelsea's 2-1 win over Wigan, but warned his team there is still plenty of room for improvement. Frank Lampard secured all three points for Hiddink's men with an injury-time winner.John Terry had given Chelsea the lead with a spectacular scissors-kick midway through the first half, but Wigan got back into the game thanks to an 81st minute strike from Olivier Kapo.But Lampard's late winner maintained Hiddink's unbeaten start to his reign at Stamford Bridge.
The Dutchman said: "I am happy and satisfied with the win, but the way we gave away the possession in the second half is not satisfying.
"I have to be happy but also critical with where we need to improve.
"I think Wigan deserved a lot of respect, they work very hard and can cause teams a lot of problems as they did with us.
"We should have scored in the first 20 minutes, but when we got the goal we did well and we also did well after their goal and I thought we deserved to get a goal and we did in the 90th minute.
"I like to see teams kill the game off in the first half if they are dominating and then we can play better."
Wigan manager Steve Bruce complained of a push by Lampard on Melchot before the goal, but Hiddink suggested that the contact was minimal and part of the game.
He added: "I have seen the complaint and there was a lot of shuffling in both boxes which is good to see, but if you are going to penalise a team for that then there should have been five or six penalties.
"There is a challenge in the box, but there is not a lot of contact between Lampard and Melchot.
"But if you want to dispute it, then you can also dispute the challenge on Ballack a few seconds before as he was also pushed. But both instances are just part of the game."
No more blues at Chelsea thanks to Drogba, says Hiddink
LONDON: Ivory Coast forward Didier Drogba has been singled out by Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink as one the key factors behind the Premier League team’s resurgence.
Drogba had been frozen out at Stamford Bridge by former boss Luiz Felipe Scolari but was restored to the side immediately after the former Brazil coach was sacked earlier this month.
And, after impressing in the 1-0 win at Aston Villa last weekend, Drogba confirmed his return from exile by scoring the only goal of the game in Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Juventus.
Didier Drogba Prior to Hiddink’s arrival, doubts had been expressed about Drogba’s commitment to the Blues, with the forward being linked with a move away, particularly to former club Marseille.
But Hiddink insists the player has been anything but a disruptive influence and believes Drogba is contributing as much off the pitch as he is on it.
“I knew about Didier because of his performances in the World Cup and other tournaments, but I didn’t know him personally,” Hiddink said. “But I’m very positive about his contribution.
“On the pitch he is fighting for every ball so the other ones can take advantage of that. And besides that he got his goal.
“Off the pitch he is a great example in the dressing room to make the team strong. So he is not just for himself, he is very committed with the rest of the team as well. So I cannot find one detail that’s not okay.
“I don’t know how it was before but he has responded to the team which is important.
“I’m not the most important man here, but players must respond to the team. And if I can guide a little bit to the left of the right or whatever, then I will do. But his attitude is very good.”
Scolari maintained Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could not play together but Hiddink has no doubts the two forwards can develop a fruitful partnership.
“This debate will go on. But what for me is the most important thing, is if they are both bringing what they can tactically to the team,” he said.
“That means they have a defensive responsibility as well when we lose possession and if they do that then we can use their force, their sharpness when we have the key moments in attack.
“And if that’s the case, then I am sure they can play together.”
Michael Essien, meanwhile, could mark the end of his six-month injury nightmare by returning for the return trip to face Juventus.
The midfielder has been out since damaging knee ligaments last September. He will take the next step in his recovery from knee surgery when he appears for the Blues reserves at Aston Villa tomorrow. — AFP
ASHLEY COLE WANTS STABILITY
Chopping and changing bosses has hurt Chelsea, says defender
ASHLEY COLE is admitting the off-field turmoil at Chelsea has left them out of the title race and relying on the Champions League for glory.
And the England defender admitted he LOVED playing under sacked boss Felipe Scolari.
Cole, 28, said: “You look at Man United - they’ve had the same manager for a long time and won things consistently. I do feel we need a bit of stability. But as a player you can’t do anything about that.
“You’ve got to go out there — whether it’s for a manager or a caretaker manager — and try and do your best, try to do it for the club.”
Chelsea have had FOUR managers in the last 17 months. Jose Mourinho, who had guided the club to two titles, left in September 2007 and his successor Avram Grant was axed at the end of last season.
Brazilian World Cup-winning boss Scolari was brought in but lasted just seven months until he was sacked on February 9 amid rumours of a player rebellion.
Friend
Former Holland coach Guus Hiddink has taken over until the end of the season but Cole admits he loved playing for Scolari.
He said: “He let me have the freedom of the wing and I seem to be playing as well as I have for Chelsea. So I was happy with that. I’m going to miss Scolari. He helped me a lot. He was more of a friend as well, which was good for me.
“He was a good man and the players liked him. He did really well for the club but it was time for a change. Now it’s going to be a bit different but I’m here in a team, it’s not just about myself.”
But he admits Hiddik and Scolari share many of the same attributes. Cole revealed: “They are both nice guys — not just about football but about your life.
“They treat you more like a man — it’s not just football, football, football.
Change
“Scolari was a father figure, which was good as well. Hiddink speaks to the young players a lot, helps them through and gives them confidence.
“You saw Michael Mancienne come in against Juventus and do well. He’s good for young players and he’s a funny guy and seems to get on with all the lads.
“He seems to know what he’s doing. Bosingwa and I have to stay back a bit more now and defend as a unit and maybe that could be the change that can change our season. I’m going to enjoy playing for him.”
But Cole admits Europe is Chelsea’s best chance of glory this season as they trail Manchester United by 10 points in the league.
Cole, who still vividly remembers the heartbreak of last year’s Champions League final penalty shoot-out loss to United, said: “We’re never going to give up on the league but I think it’s unlikely for United to drop that number of points when they’re grinding out results and playing really well. I think it will be the Champions League.”
And are the Blues good enough to win European club football’s greatest prize.
“Yes,” says Cole defiantly. “Of course, you need a bit of luck but everybody said we wouldn’t get there last year and we got there, so if we just keep grinding out results and playing well then hopefully we’ll be in the final again.”
Chelsea go to Turin with a 1-0 lead over Juventus after Wednesday’s home leg and Cole hopes that will be enough to put his side through to the last eight. He said: “It’s always good not to concede a goal and away from home we always feel we’re good enough to get a goal or nick a few.”
Another plus for Cole in midweek was the display of Didier Drogba. The striker, who looked set to leave the club under Scolari’s leadership, appears to have got a new lease of life under Hiddink.
Cole said: “He seems back to full fitness and showed in both boxes what he’s about. We’re going to need him if we’re going to carry on in all these competitions.”
Chelsea need to make Guus Hiddink permanent boss, says Michael Ballack
Michael Ballack wants Guus Hiddink to get the Chelsea job on a permanent basis, after being bowled over by the Dutchman's first two weeks at the club.
And the Germany captain hinted that an extension of Hiddink's stay beyond the summer would influence his own decision on signing a new contract with the Blues.
Ballack was one of the players accused of getting Luiz Felipe Scolari fired after meeting with owner Roman Abramovich.
It is a charge he denies - although he is keen to praise Scolari's successor for reviving Chelsea's fortunes.
Ballack said: "We've had some good results already which is fantastic. He has given us confidence.
"We've never played with the style of a team like Arsenal, who play more football. Our strength is our power and we have to get back to that.
"We lost our commitment a little bit in the last weeks of Scolari's reign. When we had tight games we failed to get anything out of them.
"It's not easy to change a manager in the middle of the season. But the coach has given us a lot of confidence and has spoken a lot with the players. His personality is impressive and has already made a big impact in the dressing room.
"And we all know he has a lot of experience. He has shown throughout his career, wherever he is, that he is a success.
"Even if he is not in charge of the best team he always brings out the best in them."
Ballack's contract runs out in the summer, although there is an option to extend it by another 12 months.
"I want to be here next season but there is no rush," he said. "Everyone knows the situation, but there is no pressure from me or the club. I am happy here.
"But it's always good for a team if there is consistency at the top. I can't decide who will be here next year.
"But I am very happy, and the players are very happy, with the coach. This has been demonstrated in terms of results and performances. We all hope he will stay longer."
Hiddink insists that he will remain with the Russian national team at the end of the season and concentrate on international football full-time.
But the way his Chelsea reign has started has given Ballack hope of keeping his new boss at the Bridge.
Ballack said: "The situation with him is clear. He has a contract with Russia and everybody respects this. But a lot of things are possible. If we have success with him then maybe he will want to stay."
Another hoping that the Dutchman stays is defender Michael Mancienne, who three years after signing for Chelsea finally made his first-team debut last month after Scolari's departure, and was brought on as a substitute by Hiddink against Juventus 11 days later.
The 21-year-old - called up to the England squad to face Germany in November, but yet to be handed a new deal by Chelsea - said: "With Hiddink it seems to be different here. He's not afraid to throw in his youngsters.
"There is a lot more hope for me now. I hope he doesn't leave in the summer."
Lampard sees benefit of hard work
Chelsea goal hero Frank Lampard insists the Blues have been working harder than ever since interim coach Guus Hiddink took charge of the side.
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The England midfielder struck in the 90th minute to kill off Wigan and push Chelsea into second place in the Premier League.
Captain John Terry had put Chelsea in front in the 24th minute but Olivier Kapo stunned the Blues with an 81st-minute leveller.
Lampard's goal earned Hiddink his third successive win since he agreed to take charge of the side until the summer.
Chelsea's training ground work-rate under sacked boss Luiz Felipe Scolari had allegedly dipped below acceptable levels to the players and Hiddink put their fitness levels under the spotlight after they tired in the second-half of their Champions League win over Juventus in midweek.
But Lampard declared: "Guus has obviously made a positive difference to the team. He's come in within a short space of time to try make the difference.
"He's done it by just saying the simple things and getting us working hard on the training ground and tactically working hard to organise us a bit better. I have been very impressed and enjoyed working with him
"The players have reacted and we needed to do that. We must take responsibility and the players have worked harder in the last few weeks than maybe before. It is just a shame that we have let a gap open up at the top.
"My goal was important because it was frustrating to be 1-0 up for such a long time and have chances to go 2-0 and then let them back in the game.
"But credit to Wigan who worked very hard and started well. Once we got our first goal we dominated and we should have scored another one. But it was very important to get three points.
"Man United have still got a great gap and everyone knows that. But it is nice mentally to be back in second position and we need to try and keep winning games. You never know what can happen. We will wait and see."
Wigan boss Steve Bruce claimed referee Lee Probert cost them a point by failing to spot a push by Lampard on defender Mario Melchiot as he headed the winner.
But while Lampard admits there was slight contact, he believes Chelsea deserved a slice of luck.
"There was a bit of contact but whether it was a foul I don't know," added Lampard. "There were plenty of fouls in the middle of the park that went unnoticed as well. They were very aggressive and to be fair to them, they worked very hard.
"But sometimes you deserve a little bit of luck and we worked for it."
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Petr Cech insists Chelsea's dressing room spirit is unbreakable.
Cech kept Chelsea in the game in the first-half as he denied Paul Scharner and Maynor Figueroa.
The spirit at the club has been under the spotlight in recent weeks following the departure of Scolari.
But suggestions of a split inside the camp have been firmly rejected by the club and the players and Cech is adamant the spirit has always been solid.
"The players here have always had a great spirit in the dressing room and this is something you can't undermine," declared Cech.
"Actually I think this is why so many people stay here a long time and why this club has a lot of long-serving players. It tells a story which is that this club pulls everyone in the same direction."
Cech, like Lampard, signed a long-term contract in the summer that ties him to the club until 2013.
But incredibly, the Chelsea stopper, who recently surpassed 200 appearances for the Blues, is already thinking of his next one.
"I hope I can stay in the team for another 200 games," added Cech. "I've got a five-year contract so if I can carry on without any injuries, I could reach 400 games for Chelsea and I hope that's not my last contract here either."
Chelsea's victory over Wigan also saw Didier Drogba put in another rejuvenated performance under Hiddink.
The Ivorian was marginalised by Scolari but he is rapidly getting back to his best under the Dutchman. However, the striker insists the resurgence has come from within.
"He (Hiddink) is someone who puts a lot of expectations on himself and that's something he passes on to the players," revealed Drogba.
"He sets high goals because he knows we can achieve them. On Wednesday it was a Champions League game against a massive team (Juventus).
"In that situation you don't need to rely on the manager to motivate you. We know what we have to do.
"The season is still alive. Even though we are behind in the league, this is football and many things can still happen.
"We're still in the FA Cup, we're still in the Champions League so it is still a very interesting season for us."
Chelsea boss Hiddink's loving London and singing the Blues
In keeping with club tradition Guus Hiddink got up to sing in front of his new charges as part of his Chelsea initiation.
Not too much should be read into his choice of song, however.
Presumably his decision to pick Summertime had more to do with his love of the works of George Gershwin than any coded reference about how long he would be staying at Stamford Bridge.
Soccertime: Guus Hiddink's Chelsea squad are back in tune
Indeed, for a man who continues to maintain his stay in this country will be a fleeting one, it seems leaving England behind will be one hell of a wrench for Hiddink.
The Dutch tactician continues to toe the party line about leaving Chelsea at the end of the season and returning full-time to his post as coach of the Russian national team.
But as revealed in Sportsmail on Friday, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s latest manoeuvre in trying to persuade the man who has rekindled his love for the game to stay at Stamford Bridge now entails placing Zenit St Petersburg manager, Dick Advocaat, in charge of his home country’s team.
And listening to Hiddink wax lyrical about his love of life in the capital, it seems Abramovich’s powers of persuasion may not be tested to their full after all.
‘I know London. I love being in the city very much and it is good to be here.
It is not because I am trying to please you. I was here many times in games and I love the way this self-irony is common in England.
Hiddink has a 100 per cent record as Chelsea boss
'You can look in the mirror and say, “How stupid I am”. This is good to see.
‘On the other hand, working very seriously is the other part. That is why I like the English approach very much.’
Hiddink, a self-confessed fan of quintessentially English comedies Monty Python and The Office, is not averse to taking the mickey out of himself either, especially when it comes to giving mischievous responses to continued questions about his next move.
‘Have you sampled the delights of a traditional English pub yet?’ asks one journalist, trying to build a picture of how much Hiddink has integrated into our way of life.
‘I might be spotted somewhere,’he jokes before filling in some of the blanks.
‘Every now and again I go with my partner and have dinner. We like it very much.
Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri was given a tremendous reception on his return to Stamford Bridge
‘She is also involved in very social things in London. Recently she has had contact with people who work in welfare in London.’
Realising this might all sound like he is becoming a little too settled for a man who is supposed to be on his way come the end of the season, he then delivers the killer line with a heavy sense of English irony: ‘We like to integrate as soon as possible so we can leave as soon as possible.’
The same quick wit applies when he appears to momentarily drop his guard about his future.
Had he enjoyed the reception Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri received upon his return to Stamford Bridge and would he hope for the same treatment?
‘Yes, it would be perfect,’ said Hiddink.
‘I enjoyed very much how the Stamford Bridge public reacted on his home coming.
‘That is also very British and I like it very much.
'Regarding me, I hope I can have the same in July or August.’
August?
‘Yes, but listen, when I come back and visit then I hope for the same reception, which will mean the team have performed until the end of May when I stop.’
Time will tell but the living in London certainly seems to be easy.
Blues line up former Barcelona boss
FRANK RIJKAARD has been lined up to take over as Chelsea boss next season.
The former Barcelona boss has been sounded out by stand-in chief Guus Hiddink and has confirmed his interest. Sport of the World can reveal that the Dutch pair discussed Rijkaard’s impending appointment last week at the request of Blues owner Roman Abramovich.
The plan is for Hiddink to return to his duties as Russian national team manager in the summer — with Rijkaard succeeding him at Stamford Bridge.
But there is the possibility of Hiddink returning to Chelsea to work with Rijkaard in a director of football role at the end of Russia’s World Cup campaign.
The two have worked together before with Rijkaard part of Hiddink’s coaching team when he was in charge of Holland. They have retained a close friendship and share the same football philosophies.
Discussions
When Sport of the World contacted a source close to Rijkaard, he refused to discuss the Chelsea appointment.
But he added: “They are a club he admires — but he would not want to talk about that particular subject at the moment.”
But another Dutch source confirmed that everything is in place for Rijkaard to take the reins in west London.
The source said: “Guus and Frank have had long discussions about the job in the last few weeks. It has been informally agreed Frank will step in during the summer.
“Abramovich wants Hiddink to complete Russia’s World Cup campaign — but there will then be the option for him to return to Chelsea and work in tandem with Rijkaard.”
Riijkaard has been out of work since he left Barcelona at the end of last season. He built up a reputation as one of Europe’s finest coaches.
During his five years in Spain, he led Barca to two La Liga titles and the Champions League by beating Arsenal 2-1 at the 2006 final in Paris.
MICHAEL ESSIEN ON WAY BACK
Crocked Chelsea defender lined up for Villa reserve clash
GUUS HIDDINK hopes to have Michael Essien back in action in the next two weeks.
Essien has been out since suffering a cruciate ligament injury in September while playing for Ghana.
But Hiddink has been boosted by the news the influential midfielder could be back for the final games of the season.
Essien said: “According to my physio Thierry Laurent, it should not take more than a month for me to play again. He has assured me that once we go through a few other exercises for two or three weeks, I should be fit enough to return.
“Guus Hiddink has been around for quite a while and knows what it takes to get positive results out of nothing. He is a fantastic manager and I am looking forward to playing for him.”
Hiddink added: “We’ve worked with him in recent days - five-a-side, eight-a-side - and he will be available on short notice I think. Not now, but we plan to play him on Monday with the reserves at Aston Villa.”
Ashley Cole: New Chelsea boss Guus is great, but I miss Luiz Felipe Scolari
Ashley Cole admits he is missing Luiz Felipe Scolari - although he thinks Guus Hiddink has got Chelsea playing as a team again.
The England defender, like John Terry and Frank Lampard, got on famously with Big Phil - sacked two weeks ago after only seven months in charge.
Cole said: "Scolari was a good man and the players liked him. I think he did really well for the club. For him it wasn't just about football, it was about a player's life.
"Scolari helped me a lot. He was a father figure to me and a lot of the younger players. He let me have the freedom of the wing and I think I started playing as well as I have ever done for Chelsea.
"I am going to miss him. I haven't spoken to him since he left but if we get a chance to talk I will thank him. But now it is a little bit different. It is about the team - not me.
"It was time for a change and Hiddink has come in and, although I haven't seen too much of him - it's only been a couple of weeks - he is also a good guy.
"Hiddink is also good for the youngsters. He has already given Michael Mancienne a chance.
FLORENT MALOUDA READY TO GO
French midfielder threatens to quit Chelsea if he doesn't play
FLORENT MALOUDA has threatened to join Juventus in the summer — if he does not get a chance under new Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink.
The French winger is linked with a move to Italy, having struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge since his £13.5million transfer from Lyon in 2007.
Malouda, 28, said: “There are four more months for me to get in the team. If that doesn’t happen then I will analyse the situation.”
Hiddink to Chelsea Players: Armani or Else!
New Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has new rules for the Chelsea players: Wear your Armani suits, or face the consequences!
Hiddink feels that former gaffer Luis Felipe Scolari was far too lax with the Chelsea boys, so he’s imposed a new set of rules. My personal favorite? The club’s Armani suits must be worn on the way to both home and away games. And not only that, but the boys had better knot those ties correctly!
(I’m pretty sure that enforcing this rule will require Tie Police. Apply c/o Guus Hiddink. End of the line is wa-a-a-a-ay back there, behind all of those young, nubile, surgically enhanced women with the spike heels and fake tans.)
Guus’s new rules:
Club suits to be worn when:
Reporting for duty
Travelling to the stadium for both home and away games
When leaving the ground
Ties must always be worn witgh suits and be knotted correctlyOther rules:
Punctuality for training
Restrictions on the use of mobile phones
Increased fitness regime following laid back approach from Scolari
Change in diets
Fines for breaking any rules
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