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Home  » Sports » Hiddink takes over at Chelsea next week

Hiddink takes over at Chelsea next week

February 11, 2009 18:05 IST
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Russia coach Guus Hiddink will take over as Chelsea manager until the end of the season from next week, he said on Wednesday.

"It's never enough time to prepare a team in one week but this is an exceptional situation. Chelsea have good players and they should be in top form and that should make my job easier," he said.

Hiddink said he plans to attend Chelsea's FA Cup fifth round tie at Watford on Saturday.

The Dutchman said he intends to contact his predecessor at Chelsea, Luiz Felipe Scolari, to discuss the team. Scolari was sacked by the fourth-placed Premier League club on Monday.

"I haven't done it yet but I will call him in the next day or two," said Hiddink.

He added he has not signed a contract with Chelsea nor intends to.

"I don't have to sign one. It's not a question of money," said Hiddink who has a close friendship with billionaire Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

Hiddink revealed on Tuesday that he would be taking charge on a temporary basis at Chelsea for three months until the end of the current season and plans to continue as Russia coach.

He said he would be flying to Amsterdam later on Wednesday before travelling on to London.

Asked on Wednesday if he intends to bring any assistants with him to Stamford Bridge, he replied: "Not at this time."

"I always want to see the situation in the team myself first before making any changes if they have to be made," he said.

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Source: REUTERS
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