Chelsea Football Club News

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

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Hiddink hails Blues strength

22 Feb 2009 - 11:44:07

Click To Enlarge

New Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink hailed his side's defensive strength after the Blues secured a 1-0 win at Aston Villa to move up to third place in the Premier League table.

A Nicolas Anelka goal at Villa Park gave Hiddink the perfect start to his time in England and the Dutchman was pleased with what he had seen.

He said: "You can only play good attacking football when everyone knows their job defensively.

"We have quality players like Anelka and Didier Drogba and, when they have the spirit to work defensively for the team, then you can also the play the way we like today.

"They are the first defensive line and must join in with the midfield in having defensive responsibilities. If they are willing to do that, there is no problem with using their strong qualities offensively.

"We have worked very hard physically and also strategically. Everyone has been very professional. I have not seen any division in the group.

"I am satisfied with the performance and the result, especially against a team like Villa who have had a very good record recently. They have not been beaten in the league for a long time.

"In the first half we were very dominant and the only criticism is that we did not finish the game off.

"In the second half they came at us with their big strong guys in the air, but we were also a bit too static when we had the ball in possession.

"We can improve a little bit, but I am very pleased and satisfied to get that game in our pockets."