Chelsea Football Club News

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

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Guus hails Blues composure

11 Mar 2009 - 07:36:22

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Guus Hiddink hailed Chelsea's composure after they booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals following a 3-2 aggregate victory over Juventus.

The Blues were leading 1-0 from the first leg but had to survive a few nervous moments in Turin before booking their passage to the last eight.

Hiddink's side came from behind twice on the night to draw 2-2 at the Stadio Olimpico following goals from Michael Essien and Didier Drogba and afterwards the Dutch coach was pleased with the professional way they handled the tie.

"We started rather sloppily and lost too many duels," he said.

"We did not mark well and we were 1-0 down. There was a reaction from the team that was okay.

"We knew at 1-0 down, or even at 2-0 down, that we must not panic and could score at any moment, which we did.

"We reacted after the 1-0 and scored just before half-time. In the second half, we controlled, not dominated, a little more.

"We didn't play the stupid long ball. We started playing with passes more. That was better to see."

Hiddink also reserved special praise for Drogba after the Ivory Coast striker scored his fourth goal in five games to confirm his return to form following a below-par season.

"He's very important, how he's showing his commitment and how he's always busy," he added.

"He doesn't give you, as a central defender, an easy night. When he scores, it's even better.

"He's doing very well. For the second goal he came just ahead of his marker. That's a sign that he is sharp."