Hiddink Confirmed As Chelsea Coach

Thursday, February 12, 2009 -- Premier League club Chelsea have appointed the current Russian national team coach Guus Hiddink as their manager for until the end of the season.

Guus Hiddink

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari as the club's manager earlier this week and it has now been confirmed that Hiddink shall be the new manager of the club for until the end of the season.

A statement on the club's official website reads:

"Chelsea Football Club is delighted to confirm Guus Hiddink will become temporary coach until the end of the season.

"He is due to meet the players later this week. The club would like to take this opportunity to thank the Russian Football Union for their understanding and co-operation."

Hiddink has been the coach of the Russian national team since 2006 and led them to the semi-finals of Euro 2008. He had also led South Korea to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup finals.

Guus Hiddink has also successfully manager Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in the past and is a close friend of the Russian oligarch Abramovich.