Former Chelsea forward Mateja Kezman has claimed Guus Hiddink told him he would be taking over at Chelsea, according to the Daily Mail.
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Guus Hiddink has reportedly demanded that Chelsea sign either Jamie Vardy or Saido Berahino in January if he returns to the club as interim manager.
The journey from frying pan to fire will be lucrative if Hiddink shakes hands with Roman Abramovich for a five-month stint – but as he watches Chelsea face Sunderland from the owner’s private box today, the veteran is likely to be confronted by widespread dissent against Mourinho’s sacking.
The most intriguing match of the Premier League week is at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea start a new chapter in their club’s history without Jose Mourinho at the bench.
Meanwhile, the team that inflicted the fatal blow on Mourinho’s time at Chelsea, Leicester City, can guarantee top spot on the Premier League table with an away win against Everton.
“I want to get some good insight before I make my decision”, Hiddink is quoted as saying by Dutch publication, De Telegraaf.
Hiddink, who was previously appointed caretaker boss at Stamford Bridge in February of 2009 following the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari, arrived in London on Friday to open discussions with Chelsea.
He left Turkey having failed to qualify for Euro 2012, before a short spell at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.
Mourinho’s tumultuous second spell at Chelsea ended on Thursday “by mutual consent” immediately after he had finished a Christmas dinner with the rest of the squad and staff at the club’s Cobham training ground.
Guus Hiddink wants time to assess the situation at Chelsea.
The Spaniard has therefore become the second odds-on favourite to take over Mourinho in a move that looks similar to the one made in 2012 when Abramovich appoint Rafa Benitez to replace Roberto Di Matteo. “Thats what they are were supposed to do and I believe thats what theyve been trying to do”.
“Gonna miss you Boss”.
“I first want to fully understand these reasons before making my decision”.
In another instalment in the governing body’s annus horribilis, a tweet was sent and story posted on their website announcing the former Socceroos coach’s new job with the English Premier League giants. “The very best I have EVER worked with, unbelievable memories together”.
“Thank you doesn’t seem enough”.
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“The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea”.
