Chelsea Football Club News

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

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Hiddink goes on the offensive

10 Mar 2009 - 07:42:10

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Guus Hiddink will not allow Chelsea to sit back and protect their lead in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 clash with Juventus.

The Blues head to Italy for Tuesday's return leg leading 1-0 following Didier Drogba's strike at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago.

But the Dutch coach is not looking to simply protect the slender advantage at the Stadio Olimpico and is hoping to take advantage of Juve's need to score themselves to further extend his side's lead.

"It's always nice to have a clean sheet - that's very important," said Hiddink.

"But if you just wait in the second leg and hope not to concede, willing not to concede a goal and not have any initiative in the game, you will have a lot of problems.

"So, whenever we can, the team must attack. It's in their character. We've not come here just to defend. That would be asking for trouble.

"At this level it's tight. Our game at Stamford Bridge was tight. Tomorrow it will be too."

Meanwhile, Hiddink has admitted he is pleased to have Michael Essien fit and available after the Ghana midfielder's six-month absence with knee ligament damage.

However, Nicolas Anelka is a doubt with a bruised toe and Deco faces a late fitness test on a hamstring problem.

"I think it's very important from now until the end of the season to have a big squad in terms of numbers and quality," added Hiddink.

"Essien has come back so we have more depth in quality in the squad. He can make his contribution like he did in the past.

"He was out for many, many months, so it's not easy for him to get the rhythm of the game from the first minute he plays.

"But he's very strong, a very positive guy and he can have a huge impact for the rest of the season.

"He will be in the 18, so he's ready to start. Let's see what will happen.

"We can either start with him or bring him on later, as we did at Coventry, but he's okay and in the squad for the match."