Is this the hint from Guus Hiddink that Chelsea have failed in the transfer market?

GUUS HIDDINK believes smart buys in the transfer market from rival clubs have helped level out the competition in the Premier League.

 

Guus Hididnk is unbeaten in seven games as Chelsea boss

 

Hiddink's Chelsea side endured a terrible start to the season, losing nine of their opening 16 games.

The defending champions had spent over £58million in the summer, with former Barcelona winger Pedro the only new arrival to since stake a regular claim in the first team.

 

Jose Mourinho was sacked as manager last month after failing stem a tide of bad results.

Hiddink, as interim boss, has enjoyed an upturn since and remains unbeaten after seven games in charge.

And the Dutchman earmarked a number of clubs who have surprised him this season after doing good business in the summer.

"Generally, I think the intensity in the league is higher and nowadays you see there are many clubs who can compete on a high level, due to the fact they also have more possibilities to sign players," Hiddink told the club's website.

 

"Nowadays, you see teams halfway or over halfway up the league, which in the past you would normally not expect to be there, like Crystal Palace, Watford and Leicester.

"These were teams normally nearer the bottom or the second tier, but they are doing very well.

"Because they have made good signings, everyone now is capable of beating everyone else and you can see that in the results."