Guus Hiddink has confirmed he is to stay at Chelsea in an advisory
role and will try to lure club legends such as Didier Drogba and Petr
Cech back to Stamford Bridge once they hang up their boots.
The Dutchman replaced Jose Mourinho as the man in charge following
the latter’s departure in December 2015, but will make way for new
manager Antonio Conte next season.
But Hiddink says he will not leave the Premier League club altogether
and shed light on the position awaiting him behind the scenes.
“Technical advisor is a big word, but I will indeed hold an advisory role,” he told Fox Sports.
“I want to involve former Chelsea players. I spoke with Drogba last
week, I have spoken with Cech. These guys are true Chelsea legends and
have had such an impact at the club.
“Chelsea are an old club, but they have only been there at the
highest level for about 15 years or so. These older guys want the best
for Chelsea and can do a lot for the club once they have ended their
active careers.
“One might go for a commercial career, another might pursue a job as
assistant manager and another might be interested in a scouting
position. You can make such good use of guys like them. I have the
freedom to approach former players for things like that.”
Trying to get former players involved will not be Hiddink’s only job,
however, as he also aims to help more youngsters make the step up from
the club’s youth academy into the first team.
“You often see that young players struggle to make the step up to the
first team. You have to slowly ease them into it, or they will do too
much,” Hiddink added.
“I did that with Bertrand Traore and Ruben Loftus-Cheek [this season], but more players should be making the step up.”