Mateja Kezman: Guus Hiddink told me he's going to Chelsea to replace Jose Mourinho

Guus Hiddink is set to take charge of Chelsea until the end of the season

 

GUUS HIDDINK will take over as Jose Mourinho's successor, according to former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman.

 

The Portuguese boss ended his time with the Blues yesterday after owner Roman Abramovich showed him the exit door.

Chelsea are reportedly sounding out Diego Simeone as their new manager but are aware that they may have to wait until the summer to lure him away from Atletico Madrid.

Hiddink, who previously won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2009, is expected to take charge until the end of the season.

And those reports have been backed up by Kezman, who played under Hiddink at PSV Eindhoven.

 

"I don't know if it's confirmed, if the club has announced it, but Guus told me earlier," Kezman, is quoted as telling Croatian tabloid Index.

"He is a top coach who knows what to do every time. He knows when to tighten the belt, but also when to loosen. He is a good coach and even better psychologist.

"I'm convinced that with him Chelsea will recover and rise in the table, and I'd also say they are one of the favourites for the Champions League."

Chelsea's disastrous start to the season leaves Hiddink with a tough task - the Blues sit 16th in the league, a single point above the drop zone.

 

Mateja Kezman says it was the right decision to sack Jose Mourinho

 

But Kezman has backed Abramovich's decision to sack Mourinho as the right call to leave enough time for the club to turn their season around.

"Jose is a top coach, but the results and table position are catastrophic and unbecoming for a club with Chelsea's reputation," he added.

"It's incredible that a team that were champions last year are now fighting for survival.

"That's why I think Roman's decision is right and Guus Hiddink is a great choice."