Hiddink: United could crack if we keep putting on the pressure

04 March 2009 01:28
Guus Hiddink claimed Manchester United could buckle in the race for the title after Didier Drogba's winner at Portsmouth last night reduced the gap to just four points. United travel to Newcastle on Wednesday and will then still have a game in hand on Chelsea, but Hiddink believes that they are piling the pressure on the reigning Premier League champions. Drogba's goal 11 minutes from time at Fratton Park settled a thrilling clash and protected Hiddink's 100 per cent record since replacing Luiz Felip Scolari at Stamford Bridge. Pompey confirmed Paul Hart has been named as the club's manager until the end of the season, but Chelsea were the ones celebrating. Hiddink said: 'We have put United under more pressure, but they still have a game in hand. 'They're an experienced team, of course, but it's good for everyone in this championship to have the pressure on the side at the top. 'What is good in this Chelsea team is that they react. They are now not happy when things are not going well. 'They make this extra effort to get things done. Then you see they get rewards.' Although Hiddink is realistic enough to know Chelsea's chances of catching United are slim, they have rediscovered their winning mentality under the Dutchman. Drogba's goal was only his second in the league this season, but it was a crucial strike in a game Chelsea could easily have lost. Hiddink added: 'In difficult circumstances, we are satisfied with the win. 'It's difficult for me to talk about a change with Drogba. He knows that he has not scored many goals so far this season. 'A goal gets rid of the tension that a player might have. When a player is playing in that position but not scoring, then it gets to him. That was an emotional explosion.' Hart, who has been appointed to lead Portsmouth away from danger at the foot of the table, said: 'We could have easily won. We probably deserved to. Despite the result, I'm pleased to have the job.'  

Source: Daily_Mail