Roman: Hiddink has worked wonders at Chelsea - with or without FA Cup

28 May 2009 02:07
Roman Abramovich has told Guus Hiddink to feel proud of his work at Chelsea regardless of whether he ends his three-month tenure with an FA Cup win. Owner Abramovich credits Hiddink with salvaging a season which was in danger of collapse under Luis Felipe Scolari and boosting the image of the club. 'Where Chelsea were not that popular in some countries, now people are changing their minds,' said the Dutchman, who will leave the Blues after Saturday's FA Cup final against Everton at Wembley and return to his full-time role as manager of Russia. 'They are going to like Chelsea more and more. That's an achievement, not just in England but abroad, that Chelsea are now recognised as a big club. 'People have recognised the way the team have presented themselves in the recent months - the way of playing, the character, the fighting spirit and also, every now and then, the good players. 'The image of a club is very important, world-wide. There's always this up and down in terms of winning a trophy. But the overall image is important in the world of football. 'If you look at Barcelona, their image is very worldwide and attractive. They have a way of playing and they're committed to other things in life as well. 'It is good for young people to see where the positives of football and the positive attitude is.' Two-year drought: Chelsea celebrate their last piece of silverware in 2007 Chelsea have not lifted a trophy since their FA Cup win in 2007 and Barcelona's late goal at Stamford Bridge to win a controversial Champions League semi-final was still eating away at Hiddink as he prepared to watch last night's final. 'Day by day I am getting rid of the anger,' said Hiddink. 'But if you push the right button in my soul you will still find a little bit of anger. We had a great performance against Barcelona. We know the injustice. 'I was blown out in the semi final once before, losing to AC Milan with PSV, and you cope better if you can blame yourself but this injustice came from the people in charge. 'After Barcelona I was not in the best state of mind when I had a conversation with Roman at the training ground in Cobham. 'I was raging but he said: "Be proud because you have only made a good impression worldwide with the team, especially in the second game against Barcelona. Don't be negative, be proud of the team, the way you have played and what you have achieved in the last months".' Direct and open: Ancelotti Hiddink also applauded the 'direct and open' style of Carlo Ancelotti, the AC Milan manager, who is expected to succeed him at Stamford Bridge, but stressed the importance of him learning to speak English. 'I know the man personally,' said Hiddink. 'I've met him several times. The last time was at Jaap Stam's farewell game in Holland. He and I were on the same bench coaching the 1998 Dutch team. 'We had a nice game and a nice evening together. He's a very, very nice person. Very direct and open. Seeing his career in Italy, as a manager but also as a player, it is full of prizes and experience.

Source: Daily_Mail