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HIDDINK’S WARNING TO NEXT CHELSEA BOSS

GUUS HIDDINK believes the next Chelsea manager faces a massive rebuilding job to return the club to the top of the European game. The Dutchman, who is preparing for tomorrow’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Manchester City, admits Chelsea have lost their status alongside Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as one of football’s elite clubs and must significantly strengthen the squad this summer.

Hiddink, who suffered his first defeat since returning to Chelsea when Paris Saint- Germain beat his side in the Champions League on Tuesday, said: ‘It’s not a small job. Everyone, in terms of the weakness of the squad, must react accordingly to make the squad stronger next season — that’s not a small job.

‘ If you see the potential of those clubs (Barcelona, Real and Bayern), it’s huge. To be honest PSG have a very strong team, they can (pick from) 15, 16 or 17 international players.

‘We had youngsters on the bench against PSG. I am not scared to bring them in, but in the long run you need a very experienced bench.

‘I am here in the interim period, but the people who are here every day, every week and stuff, have the longer vision of what is needed. They are in charge so that they can do that.’

Chelsea face an uphill battle to progress in the Champions League after their 2-1 defeat in Paris and they are also struggling in 12th place in the Barclays Premier League.

They face City at Stamford Bridge tomorrow without their injured captain John Terry and there are fresh doubts about the commitment of the PFA player of the year Eden Hazard.

Hiddink admitted he has spoken with the winger following his dreadful performance against the French champions and has demanded an immediate improvement from the Belgium international.

Hazard drew criticism when he admitted in an interview ahead of the first leg that it would be difficult to turn down the rich French club when they make a bid for him this summer.

Former Holland coach Hiddink added: ‘It is not just attitude because he was in a difficult situation, but he has to step up. We have talks with him, although I don’t like the talks to take hours, but small conversations to take him to the next level, which is what he wishes.

‘Sometimes we see what he is able to do. We hope to see the old Hazard more frequently. He can show more, he is aware of that. Now it is up to him.

‘I asked him about the (Paris SaintGermain) situation but he is very keen to be here. He has extended his contract, he and his family are happy here so there is no sign to say he is eager to leave.

‘He is happy and we don’t want to give too much attention to this, but he likes to step up as well.’

Hiddink also confirmed that Diego Costa will start up front after showing an improved attitude under the interim Chelsea coach.

‘I think he is difficult to stop,’ said Hiddink. ‘One or two days before the last game he unfortunately collided with a player and normally he would say he had a problem and stay away for one game.

‘But he travelled to Milan, came back the day after, wanted to train and to try his mask the same evening when we were in the hotel.

‘That is desire to play, and when they have this desire I protect them and like them very much to play.’