Hiddink rejects cash claims

01 June 2009 09:45
Guus Hiddink insists that his short stint in charge of Chelsea was never about the money. The temporary Blues boss signed off with a win in the FA Cup Final on Saturday following a 2-1 success over Everton at Wembley. Despite a host of Chelsea players urging Hiddink to stay on, the former PSV Eindhoven chief has stuck by his decision to leave at the end of the season meaning owner Roman Abramovich must now begin the search for the club's fifth manager in two years. Next on the agenda for Hiddink is the small matter of the World Cup as he looks to continue his work with the Russian national team in a bid to lead them to South Africa in 2010. "Chelsea is in my heart," he said. "In all works of life, people come in for a short period and then go. Those left behind had no idea who they were or what they did. It hasn't been like that for me. "The players responded to my way of working from virtually the very first day. We developed a strong relationship. That is why I feel a lot for this club. Foundation"It is not just about where the money was. I can honestly say I never thought of it. That just would not work. There has to be a foundation of a real club." Hiddink also warned his successor, Carlo Ancelotti that he should look to lower the average age of the squad with the core players - John Terry, Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba - 28 or over. "The older players showed they can perform very well and it is good to have a strong squad," he added. "If you play 60 games a year, plus internationals, you must have the possibility to rest people. "But it is beyond question that when older players get injured, it is harder for them to come back at the highest level."

Source: SKY_Sports