Guus Hiddink believes Tottenham will learn from fiery Stamford Bridge clash

06 May 2016 21:53

Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink believes Tottenham will learn from losing their cool in the fiery clash at Stamford Bridge when their Premier League title challenge came to a halt.

Tottenham needed to win to keep their title hopes alive, but Eden Hazard netted the equaliser which handed Leicester the trophy.

Chelsea and Spurs have until 6pm on May 9 to respond to three breaches of failing to control their players, while the visitors had nine players booked, four after Hazard's equalising goal.

Hiddink said: "The team who should have been frustrated should have been Chelsea at 2-0 down.

"I don't think in all the emotion the Chelsea players were tackling rudely and trying to injure.

"They were leading 1-0, they were leading 2-0, and then they lost a bit of control in the game and then the game got a bit upset which was not in favour of their play.

"They might think differently, but I think it's a very good lesson for this young team in that situation that you can play more like a champion and not get involved in incidents that might be counter-productive.

"You have to control yourself."

Hazard must show greater consistency to be considered among the world's best players, Hiddink says.

Like Chelsea, Hazard has endured a poor campaign, but he had a decisive say in the Premier League title race.

Hiddink will aim to help Hazard enjoy the final three games of the season, at Sunderland on Saturday, at Liverpool on May 11 and at home to Leicester on the final day of the season.

The 25-year-old Belgium playmaker last season led Chelsea to a Premier League and Capital One Cup double with scintillating performances.

His star has faded this term, in no small part due to a niggling hip/groin problem, says Hiddink.

"To win a Ballon d'Or or whatever then you need more consistency in performances," Hiddink added.

"It's a long way for him to knock on that door. (But) when this guy is fit, physically, then he can play as nature has gifted him.

"We coaches think 'We make this player, I discovered that player' but they are gifted.

"If the conditions are good for him, in the environment or the physical part, then they love to play.

"You see the big, big players love to play like amateurs and he has to play as an amateur again."

Source: PA