FA Cup final 2009: Chelsea send Guus Hiddink out in style after beating Everton

30 May 2009 22:06
Louis Saha scored after just 25 seconds, beating the previous mark of 43 seconds set by Roberto Di Matteo 12 years ago, to hand Everton the lead before Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard struck to ensure the Dutchman enjoyed the perfect end to his cameo in the Premier League. [LNB]"Winning in the mecca of world football, the FA Cup, that's something I cannot believe," said the Dutch coach, who will now return to his job with the Russian national team "He's a great manager and a great man," said Lampard. [LNB] Related ArticlesChelsea 2 Everton 1: Match reportFA Cup final 2009 photosHenry Winter: Parting such sweet sorrowHiddink: Wembley win highlight of my stayLampard: FA Cup perfect parting gift for HiddinkFA Cup Final 2009: Ratings "It's a great send-off for him and we're delighted to give him a trophy. I'm pleased to have scored the goal that did so."[LNB]The win might have been more emphatic, had referee Howard Webb allowed a Florent Malouda strike which clearly bounced over the line after hitting the underside of the bar, but captain John Terry insisted he was just delighted to see Chelsea win some silverware again. [LNB] "Two years without a trophy, it's been too long. We've seen Manchester United and others winning trophies and it's good to get it that winning feeling back."[LNB]Chelsea's fans pleaded with owner Roman Abramovich to keep hold of the Dutchman, but the club's chairman, Bruce Buck, last night ruled out a last-ditch bid to change Hiddink's mind and retain his services. [LNB]Instead, thoughts are likely to turn to his probable successor, AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti who yesterday reinforced the expectation that his official appointment at Stamford Bridge is imminent. [LNB]Ancelotti said he would only discuss his future after the end of the Italian season, but according to Milan sources, a meeting will be hold tomorrow with Leonardo, the current technical director, expected to become the next manager. [LNB]Ancelotti has signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea but, regardless of the interest from Abramovich, it is believed that he would lose his job at Milan should they fail to qualify for the Champions League for the second successive season. [LNB]However, a draw on Sunday in Florence would be enough to guarantee at least third in Serie A. [LNB] 

Source: Telegraph