Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Ballack hoping Hiddink stays

01 Mar 2009 - 13:03:15

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Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack is hoping Guus Hiddink can be persuaded to stay on as manager past the end of the season.

The Dutchman was brought in on an interim basis three weeks ago following the decision to sack Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The Blues have won their first three games under Hiddink and Ballack has been impressed with the impression the veteran coach has made on the club since his arrival.

Hiddink is scheduled to leave Chelsea at the end of the season to concentrate on his current job as head coach of the Russia national side, but Ballack is hoping he ultimately decides to stay on at Stamford Bridge.

"It's always good for a team if you have consistency," said the Germany international.

"At the moment, the situation is clear as the coach has a contract with Russia and everyone respects this.

"But in football a lot of things are possible. If we have success with him, maybe he'll want to stay.

"We are happy with him. We hope he can stay longer with us but it's his decision."