Guus Hiddink is determined to ensure Chelsea finish the season with some silverware but refuses to prioritise any competition. The Blues sit 10 points behind Manchester United in the Premier League but Hiddink, in his first press conference as Chelsea’s new boss, refuses to concede the title race.
The Champions League and FA Cup appear to be more realistic targets but Hiddink, who takes charge for tomorrow’s trip to Aston Villa, is adamant United can be reeled in.
“Of course my role is a challenge, although time is limited. We are still in three competitions — Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup,” he said. “We’re 10 points down on Manchester United, which will be very difficult but we will give it a try.
“In the other two competitions Chelsea are still in the race. That’s the challenge, I’m not just here to pass time until the end of the season. The players are used to winning trophies so let’s try and repeat it. If they don’t you can’t be happy.
“The priority is Villa Park. It’s the cliche answer — the next game is the most important. After that it’s Juventus. You’re obliged to yourself and your crowd to prioritise the next battle.
“Realistically it’s difficult to catch United. If you’re leading with 10 points you feel comfortable. But things can change in a few minutes. I’ve made up that ground before in a different league. With PSV, we were not that worried but there were some narrow escapes in the last few seasons.”
Hiddink’s assistant Ray Wilkins oversaw the 3-1 FA Cup victory over Watford last weekend with the Dutchman assuming control at Villa Park in tomorrow’s early kick-off.
Villa sit two points higher in third place in the Premier League and Hiddink warned his team they must dispatch Martin O’Neill’s side.
“If you see the record of Villa recently, they have very good period of winning games home and away. It’s tough. But we want to play,” he said. “If they keep doing what they are doing, they’re in a good position and we need to change places with them as soon as possible.”
Didier Drogba, meanwhile, has revealed he would sign a new contract with Chelsea if the west London club offer him one.
The Ivory Coast international has consistently been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge during a frustrating campaign that has seen him score just once in the Premier League.
There had been speculation the 30-year-old striker wanted to end his five-year spell at the Blues, with the player alleged to have met an Inter Milan official with a view to rejoining his former boss Jose Mourinho at the San Siro.
Drogba has, however, dismissed such talk stating his desire to remains at Stamford Bridge.
“I am happy with everyone here and want to be a Chelsea player,” he said. “I want people to stop talking about me going back to Marseille or going to Inter Milan. I want to stay until the end of my contract. I love the fans.
“My family love it here and we want to stay. There have been no talks about extending my deal but there is time for that. I would stay if they offered me a new deal. I know that first I need to show I am still the Didier Drogba this club knows.”
