So, what do we think about the latest development in the Chelsea manager saga?

Guus Hiddink has been linked with the vacant Chelsea manager’s post a couple of times now and whilst he’s ruled himself out on both occasions, the suggestion is he might consider it on a temporary basis until the end of the season. A club statement confirms “Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have officially approached the Russian Football Union (RFU) for permission to speak to Guus Hiddink to become the club’s temporary coach until the end of the season while continuing to be in charge of the Russia national team. That permission has been granted and Chelsea would like to thank the RFU for their co-operation.”

The Dutchman, who clearly doesn’t fancy it long-term, says “There’s a possibility that I can accept Chelsea’s proposal and take over the club until the end of the season. If it was any other club I would definitely reject the offer but Chelsea is a very special case as I have very friendly relations with its owner. Anyway it’s for two or three months, not longer.  I will not quit my work with Russia’s national side. I came to Russia to work in a long-term project and I’m not going to leave it unfinished.”

And whilst some of us must have our reservations about putting in a manager who’s focus wouldn’t be solely on the club, Hiddink suggests “I already have the experience of combining club work with coaching a national side. Two years ago I worked with Australia’s national squad and PSV (Eindhoven).”

Nothing is confirmed yet, and Hiddink appears to be talking about the temporary role in terms of ‘if’ rather than ‘when’, but is it workable given the squad’s current fragility or are we about to cock it up again?

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