The Pride of London
Fansided

Guus Hiddink reveals real fear of relegation for Chelsea FC

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Guus Hiddink, interim manager of Chelsea looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Milton Keynes Dons and Chelsea at Stadium mk on January 31, 2016 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Guus Hiddink, interim manager of Chelsea looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Milton Keynes Dons and Chelsea at Stadium mk on January 31, 2016 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Guus Hiddink has revealed that Chelsea FC management did genuinely fear that the club would get relegated when he was appointed the interim boss.

Chelsea FC have endured a horrific campaign. Following a Premier League and Capital One Cup double last time out, the Blues have experienced significantly different results this season. According to Guus Hiddink, the club brass genuinely feared relegation when he was drafted in to replace Jose Mourinho.

Speaking frankly about the situation that awaited him as he returned to Stamford Bridge for a second stint, the interim boss revealed that the threat of relegation felt very real.

"In this house they started sweating because they had seen that big clubs can go down…Was there a danger being in 16/17th position, yes? When the water is up to here (his chin) you have to be very careful you don’t get drowned. – via the Express"

Chelsea were in a dire spot when the Dutchman took over. Jose Mourinho was sacked after defeat against Leicester City left the club in 16th position, just two places above the relegation zone. At the time, the Blues looked absolutely hopeless.

Hiddink has done a fantastic job in steadying the ship since his arrival. The club went on a 15 game unbeaten run in the Premier League after Mourinho was dismissed and they now find themselves in 10th spot. In fact, Chelsea’s revival briefly put them in vague contention for a top four spot as well.

When the Blues were struggling there were very few people who actually believed that they would go down. While many entertained the thought, the club were expected to grind out results sooner rather than later. Having said that, this revelation lays bare just how seriously Chelsea officials were taking the poor form.

Fortunately, Hiddink has helped the club out yet again and players are even getting close to their true quality as the season winds down. Attention is already switching to the next campaign and it is hoped that the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard will hit the ground running under Antonio Conte.

Next: Three defensive partnerships Chelsea FC should use as the season winds down

This has certainly been a season that everyone associated with Chelsea FC will want to leave firmly in the past. Perhaps the Blues can take inspiration from Leicester City and challenge for the title next year after avoiding relegation?

Home/Premier League