Hiddink replaces Mourinho as Chelsea manager

Guus Hiddink was today appointed as the caretaker manager of the beleaguered Chelsea football club until the end of the season. Hiddink returns to Stamford Bridge after a gap of six years in somewhat similar circumstances.

Guus Hiddink has been appointed in place of Jose Mourinho (seen in the file picture) as Chelsea manager. REUTERS

The 69-year-old was put in charge of the west London club in 2009 in place of Luiz Felipe Scolari who was fired mid-season.

Then Hiddink guided Chelsea to the Champions League semifinal which his team lost in controversial circumstances.

However, Chelsea managed to win the 2009 FA Cup under his command.

Given Chelsea’s woes this season, club supporters are hoping the experienced Dutch coach can recreate some of his old magic.

The defending Premier League champions find themselves languishing in the bottom half and facing the prospect of a relegation battle after losing nine of their first 16 games.

The downward spiral of the team’s fortunes resulted in Jose Mourinho’s departure from the team.

“I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge,” Hiddink said in a statement on the Chelsea website.

“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around.”

Hiddink has had achieved notable success during his managerial career that spans for almost 30 years.

He won the European Cup in 1988 with Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven, took Holland to fourth at the 1998 World Cup, South Korea to the semi-finals in 2002 and Australia to the second round in 2006.