Duo can play together - Hiddink

22 February 2009 12:03
Anelka marked Hiddink's first game in charge by scoring the winner against Aston Villa - his 21st goal of the season.[LNB]Victory pushed the Blues ahead of Villa into third spot in the Premier League.[LNB]Previous Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari had been reluctant to play Drogba and Anelka in the same team.[LNB]However, Hiddink said: "You can only play good attacking football when everyone knows their job defensively.[LNB]"We have quality players like Anelka and Drogba and, when they have the spirit to work defensively for the team, then you can also the play the way we like tolay.[LNB]"They are the first defensive line and must join in with the midfield in having defensive responsibilities.[LNB]"If they are willing to do that there is no problem with using their strong qualities offensively."[LNB]Hiddink also insisted he had seen no divisions amongst the players in the build-up to the game.[LNB]He said: "We have worked very hard physically and also strategically. Everyone has been very professional. I have not seen any division in the group."[LNB]As regards Chelsea's 1-0 victory today, Hiddink said: "I am satisfied with the performance and the result, especially against a team like Villa who have had a very good record recently. They have not been beaten in the league for a long time.[LNB]"In the first half we were very dominant and the only criticism is that we did not finish the game off.[LNB]"In the second half they came at us with their big strong guys in the air but we were also a bit too static when we had the ball in possession.[LNB]"We can improve a little bit but I am very pleased and satisfied to get that game in our pocket."[LNB]Villa boss Martin O'Neill felt a third game in six days after cup ties with Everton and CSKA Moscow had taken its toll on his side.[LNB]He said: "It sounds like an excuse but I do believe the three games in quick succession took their toll. At the beginning, we looked leggy and Chelsea got into their stride very quickly.[LNB]"We got a bit of momentum before half-time and had a lot of possession in the second half without creating too many chances.[LNB]"I am disappointed with the setback but we are far from finished. I suppose it is a sign of how far we have come that we are disappointed at being fourth in the table.[LNB]"We have some quality players. You get disappointments but we will bounce back and there is not a dent in our belief.[LNB]"I thought we could win today. I still thought that at half-time. In terms of effort and determination they have given everything.[LNB]"The top four teams have the squads to cope with hectic schedules and it is something we will have to learn as well. But we are still in there fighting."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk