Premier League - Hiddink targets second

Eurosport - Fri, 24 Apr 21:19:00 2009

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has admitted that second place in the Premier League is now his target after the midweek draw with Everton left his temporary charges six points adrift of leaders Manchester United.

2008-2009 Chelsea Guus Hiddink - 0

The setback had led many to assume that Chelsea would rest key players for Saturday's trip to West Ham with one eye on next week's Champions League semi-final first leg in Barcelona.

But Hiddink suggested otherwise.

"We have to take the league seriously," the Dutchman said.

"We have to be in the first few spots for qualification for the Champions League next year. We have to go for second or third place at least, so we have to take this game very seriously.

"As we said before, the pressure was always on Liverpool and us not to drop points, which we did. So, to be honest, we cannot go for the title. We have a very important game coming up on Tuesday, but also tomorrow.

"Man Utd had a difficult time dropping points a few weeks ago, but their game in hand is a luxury. They'll use that. If you're in the driver's seat, and you are used to being there, then you are the favourite. They are favourites. When I'm favourite, normally I win."

Hiddink would not be drawn on whether Gianfranco Zola, the former Chelsea favourite who has impressed as West Ham boss, would be a good candidate to take over from him next season.

"I see potential," said Hiddink. "I haven't seen the younger managers working, but I see some guys who, when you have a conversation with them or they appear on television, come across very intelligently.

"Zola is one of the guys who can make this change to being a manager. But I also see some English managers.

"Everyone has to start at high levels sometimes. One can need 500 games and might not feel he's suited for that job. Another one less.

"I haven't seen him (Zola) working. I see him from the outside. He's a very intelligent man. He was a brilliant footballer, a very intelligent man and player, and I think he likes to learn a lot still. But I cannot judge whether he's capable of managing Chelsea now."

Hiddink may opt to have a look at young England defender Michael Mancienne at left-back on Saturday. Ashley Cole is suspended for the Barcelona match and Mancienne is a candidate for the unenviable task of marking Lionel Messi.

"We have some options," said Hiddink. "Everyone knows that, in the squad, we don't have double natural coverage for the left-back position, so we have to improvise.

"We have some candidates. It's obvious that, in the West Ham game, we use this option."

AFP

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  1. eveybody see messi is the only thread...most of u­ chealsea losers had forgotten about eto'o, iniesta,­ henry, xavi...and even krkic can score at stanford­ bridge...

    From yao_min, on Sun 26 Apr 2:37PM

  2. NOBODY SPEAKS ENGLISH AS BRILLIANTLY AS ME

    From brilliant_dr_mark_lunt_phd, on Sat 25 Apr 7:53PM

  3. some people read and speak english, worst still they­­ were probably born in the english speaking nation yet­­ they cant understand a pint in english. Typical­ example­ is micpando.

    Go go goal my beloved mighty­ Blues

    From Dynamic, on Sat 25 Apr 7:13PM

  4. some people read and speak english, worst still they­ were probably born in the english speaking nation yet­ they can understand a pint in english. Typical example­ is micpando.

    Go go goal my beloved mighty Blues

    From Dynamic, on Sat 25 Apr 6:57PM

  5. micpando... READ before u comment.

    If u don't­ understand what has been written? don't comment.
    He­ said Manchester are favorites to win the league and­ that he'll focus on finishing Second.

    Where does­ that say Manchester coming third?
    Ret@rd!!!

    From sidman612, on Sat 25 Apr 6:16PM

  6. HOW ON EARTH CAN GUUS THINK MANCHESTER UNITED WILL BE­ 3RD WHILE CHELSEA TAKES SECOND.IS HE REASONABLE IN WHAT­ HE IS SAYING?

    From Michael, on Sat 25 Apr 4:35PM

  7. Chelsea FC The Pride Of London.

    From Theneswaran, on Sat 25 Apr 4:29PM

  8. TRUE BLUE....

    From ursu_bv, on Sat 25 Apr 3:48PM

  9. CF Barcelona is nothing for Chelsea FC... like small of­ pieces... BLUE IS THE COLOUR...

    From D Pensioner, on Sat 25 Apr 1:25PM

  10. I have a gentlemen's aggrement to join Real Madrid­ next season but please keep it to yourselves.

    From the_flying_ladyboy_cristiano, on Sat 25 Apr 7:18AM

  11. jexbi what does SIMILAY mean ?

    From rc_alcock_the_scouse_bum_boy, on Sat 25 Apr 7:05AM

  12. POST 18 & 21 SEEM VERY SIMILAY IN THE USE OF THE­ WORD(KNICKERS) ALL RATHER HUMOROUS DONT YOU KNOW

    From Jex, on Sat 25 Apr 7:02AM

  13. RC_ALCACK AS A WANKAR

    From rc_alcock_the_scouse_bum_boy, on Sat 25 Apr 6:57AM

  14. RC_ALCACK AS A WANKAR

    From donkeysbeck, on Sat 25 Apr 6:32AM
  15. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Chelsea Suxks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    From barca_nr_1, on Sat 25 Apr 6:21AM

  16. he will be 3rd

    From Nath, on Sat 25 Apr 5:03AM

  17. I just got caught "borrowing" some ladies­ knickers and was going to return them the next day.­ Thet where pink with charming little ribbons and I­ looked so cute in the mirror!!
    Glory Glory Man Utd!!

    From wayne.delay2, on Sat 25 Apr 4:17AM

  18. I just got caught "borrowing" some ladies­ knickers and was going to return them the next day.­ Thet where pink with charming little ribbons and I­ looked so cute in the mirror!!
    Glory Glory Man Utd!!

    From wayne.delay2, on Sat 25 Apr 4:17AM

  19. Poor Wayne got sacked from his last job but apparently­ he is now trying his best to be honest. Fingers crossed­ everybody for young Wayne!

    From mark.lunts_mum_the_slapper, on Sat 25 Apr 4:13AM

  20. Wayne you still looking for a job?

    From mark.lunts_mum_the_slapper, on Sat 25 Apr 4:11AM
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