Hiddink - I was exhausted

16 May 2009 10:07
Guus Hiddink admits he was left 'exhausted' by Chelsea's controversial UEFA Champions League exit and concedes he had never been so angry. Chelsea's European dream was crushed by Barcelona earlier this month after Andres Iniesta scored an injury-time equaliser to send the Catalan giants through to the final on away goals. However, the Blues were bitterly disappointed with the performance of referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after having several penalty appeals turned down. And Chelsea boss Hiddink acknowledged it took time for him to recover from the setback of failing to reach the Champions League showpiece in Rome. Injustice "What happened against Barcelona exhausted me," admitted Hiddink. "For two days, even normal questions drew a reaction from me - and that was because I was exhausted. "I knew that. I didn't want anyone coming near. I was angry because I felt injustice. Everyone felt that, even people who weren't involved with Chelsea. You feel this huge frustration. "And having these intense games in the league and in Europe takes a lot of energy out of you. But I will miss it. "I didn't apologise to anyone after those two days. People just kept their distance. It's not a nice quality from me. "With Holland I was frustrated when we didn't get to the World Cup final in 1998 when we lost to Brazil in the penalty shoot-out. But that was to a good opponent. "I could not be angry with the ref or the players who took the penalties. So it's hard to recall a time in my career when I have been this angry." Respect Hiddink is leaving his role as temporary Chelsea boss at the end of the season and the Dutchman has enjoyed his stint at Stamford Bridge. He added: "I have enjoyed very much, working at this club with these players. "To be honest, when I started, I thought I'd have to fight a lot with the status of players. "I thought there was a pre-set mind that they would be untouchable, but we touched each other. I'm very proud of that. "Now we split, so there's a feeling of respect. Not regret - but respect."

Source: SKY_Sports