Guus Hiddink had his first stroll around Cobham yesterday and didn’t look as shell shocked as you’d imagine, given the job he’s being asked to do in the next few months. But what does he really think? Well, this is what he told Chelsea TV.

You said you would have said no to any other job. Why yes to Chelsea?
Everyone knows the relationship between Chelsea and the Russian Football Federation, and the academy of development of young players all over the country is significant.
When the situation occurred as has happened now I was asked to come because of the relationship with Roman Abramovich as well. Of course it is a big club as well, and let me be honest, I came because they asked me to join the club for the upcoming time.
You couldn’t come at a more pressurised time, three big games, and you have to win.
You are putting the pressure on me! That is normal, I know of course I have to live as soon as possible in the depth of the club, but I just talked to the players for a few minutes in the dressing room. I am not just here to add to my experience to the club and Premier League. Also I want to see these results as soon as possible.
You are leaving the team on Saturday [at Watford] to Ray Wilkins?
Yes. I will talk now daily with Ray and all the people within the club to get together everything as fast as possible. But Ray will do the game against Watford.
Then in the League we play Aston Villa, a huge match. We could be 10 points behind Man United by then. Are we still in a title race?
The team are in several races, the FA Cup is there, the Champions League and also the League. There is a 10 point difference but if you look in the past of this league and other leagues as well, some things can happen during the final stages of the championship.
How much do you know of the Premier League and the Chelsea players?
I worked several years with Alex but I know the players of Chelsea and other clubs as well. I know almost all of the players. To be honest I don’t know the players from the Academy and I see them participating already with the first team which is good. I have to know them better, how they play etc, but generally speaking I know the players.
The games against Juventus are coming up. You won the European Cup in 1988 and went close in 2005. Is wanting to win it again a big part of season?
All the three roads are very important. The next game at Watford, and then Aston Villa and Juventus and then you go on the path of the Champions League. That is so attractive. The club has the experience to go to the Final.
You managed against Chelsea once before in 1998.
Don’t remind me of that! I know it was the Super Cup in Monaco, and where we lost to Chelsea, that’s true.
Are there team shapes you come with, always the same system, or do you see what is available first and decide?
I see what is available, I see what suits and I see the culture and what is demanded. When I started in Korea or Russia is different to when you start at an already very achieved club. But I like to make analysis as fast as possible and come to composure which gives efficiency to the team and hopefully as many points as possible and a style of play.
So will you have an idea next week?
I am not thinking that rigid. Whether you play with 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 or whatever, it is very important what they do as a team when we have possession and when we have none. That is even more important. With that I am looking forward to the cooperation of Ray Wilkins and the other coaches as well.
With regards to backroom staff, are you going to be at some point bringing in your own people?
Not yet. I am not in favour wherever I go to bring in my group of assistants. I like to go in as soon as possible to alert myself to what is required and then of course we make an analysis and talk to the people. If something is needed, we can do it but not in principle.
I am looking forward to working with people who are working here as all kinds of staff and if needed, if it can contribute anything to the benefit and well being of players at the club, okay - but not before. 

You have a reputation for success more or less everywhere you have been. What qualities will you bring to Chelsea, what do you think you can bring to help us to do better?
I hope as soon as possible, because I don’t like to give anyone much time, not me and not the players, to bring out of every member, especially the players, a little bit more than sometimes they think they can bring.
They are very committed, I have seen the training session, but sometimes you can have a little bit different approach to get even more efficiency out of the players. That is where I am aiming at and if you add those individuals together and make a team, then everyone can bring a little bit more.
Not just in commitment. It is too easy to talk commitment because everyone has an obligation to be committed, but in the tactical and the strategic approach during the game. We might gain some profit.
In terms of approach to games, would you say you are an attack-minded coach or are you naturally cautious?
No, I am not that cautious. I think you must be organised in every part of the pitch but I think, especially in England, they like the approach of attacking the team.
You have achieved in most places you have been but you have not yet won a title in one of the bigger countries. Is that something you feel personally is missing from your list of achievements?
With Real Madrid we did not have the title of the league. We won the World Club Cup, that is a good achievement, but never a title in this rather short period. I haven’t worked in England so far which is considered the biggest league in the world so that would be a huge achievement but so far, it is okay. We try to go for this title, yes.
You are here on a temporary basis until May. What happens if you really like it and the club really like you? Any chance you will be staying on?
I have seen it here now and I felt the atmosphere already in a few hours but what happens after May is clear because it is rather difficult to do the two jobs and I have my obligations in Russia.
It is rather difficult because the Premier League is very challenging. We can do it now because there are one or two games until June with the national team of Russia. That is why we said we can do it now and we can do it full-hearted and committed.
Will you not have any rest because when you are not doing Chelsea you have to watch Russian players?
I am not the youngest manager anymore but what gives me a lot of energy is the atmosphere at the club and the atmosphere and energy of players. I consider myself as being very privileged to work everyday and I don’t think I need a holiday tomorrow or whenever. I take my holiday of course but now I am energetic to start.

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