Source: Telegraph
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink issues tough new rules to players
The Dutchman, notorious for his discipline record, made it clear when he took over from Luiz Felipe Scolari that he intended to sharpen the players up, after what he referred to as a "lax regime". [LNB]Hiddink's tough approach involves players being punctual for training, increased fitness regimes, restrictions on mobile phone usage on club grounds as well as fines for any of the aforementioned regulations being broken. [LNB]He has also clamped down on the players' images, insisting that the club's Armani suits be worn when travelling for home or away games and when leaving stadiums after matches. Hiddink, who is never seen on the sideline out of a suit, has also made specific reference to how the players should knot their ties. [LNB]The change in apparel is in stark contrast to Scolari, who was rarely seen out of his tracksuit on matchdays, at press conferences or training. [LNB]The increased level of fitness is unlikely to leave too many players disgruntled. The Times claims that Frank Lampard and John Terry both approached Scolari in a bid to have the intensity of training sessions upped. [LNB]Following Wednesday's 1-0 victory against Juventus, Hiddink said he was unimpressed with the side's continuing tendency to start a game strongly but by the 70th minute fade. [LNB]Asked if fitness was the main problem facing the players he said: "Yes. When you can't maintain control in the whole game it is a problem. You can't control everything for 90 minutes but you should be able to control 90 per cent of the game. [LNB]"That is difficult. One of the things I can say is that we are not 'top top' in terms of fitness. The physical level is good but in these high-level games you must be more than top."[LNB]Meanwhile, Didier Drogba has hailed his new manager's approach to improving energy levels on the pitch, admitting that if something is not done soon, Chelsea will not be able to mount a credible challenge in the Champions League. [LNB]Admitting that he, more than most, needs to assess his fitness, Drogba told the Mirror[LNB]: "The manager said after the game that we're not in tip-top condition and we feel it too. [LNB]"In the second half it was more difficult for me, and in the one-on-ones I didn't really have the legs to dribble. I need to work on that but the best place for it is on the pitch because we have games every three days, which means training will be limited [LNB]"From around 70 minutes we get heavy legged. You will have to ask a fitness coach why that is and I'm not one. But we know we have to improve."[LNB]Hiddink's new rules:[LNB]Club suits to be worn when: [LNB]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 correctly [LNB]Other rules: [LNB]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 [LNB]
