Guus Hiddink will consider retiring in a managerial capacity at the end of the season as he eyes up a role in youth development.
The 69-year-old will be replaced as Chelsea boss in the summer and all but ruled out taking on another role as manager.
Hiddink has already given Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Bertrand Traore first-team opportunities while U18 captain Jake Clarke-Salter is training with the first team squad.
And the former Netherlands manager confirmed that he would prefer a role working with youngsters rather than another managerial role to add his long list of teams managed.
He said: “I know myself and I will be involved with some players or some clubs, not on a working relationship but consulting.
“I still feel the energetic but I don't want to go now for three or four years, sometimes to go somewhere and you must go for a project of at least two to three years and I want to have my freedom.
“I think this could be my last daily managerial job.”
With Antonio Conte expected to be announced as Chelsea's new manager in the near future, it is unclear whether Hiddink will be offered an advisory role at the Bridge.
Roman Abramovich has a close relationship with the interim boss and is expected to maintain that once the Dutchman steps down from his role this summer.
Conte is expected to bring his own team of backing staff to Stamford Bridge and it is unclear how the Italian will feel about his predecessor remaining a pivotal figure at the club once he takes charge.
Since taking over as Chelsea number one Hiddink has often reiterated his preference for giving youth a chance, seen in both his squad selection as well as his attendance at Chelsea's UEFA Youth league game against Ajax on Tuesday.
And ahead of the West Ham clash Hiddink insisted that working with youngsters is one of the most enjoyable parts of his job.
He added: “I like to work day-to-day with the boys but on the other hand what I also like is to guide and help young players about how they go into their careers, how you plan a career and what they have to focus on, it is nice to to guide young players as well.
“You do it with experienced players as well but it is especially nice to see the development for me, for instance from Traore who was on loan in Holland, do you go back on loan or do you stay here?
“I like to look at the options for the guys and see what is best for him, that it was I like to do.
“Youngsters are very eager to learn, most of them are but especially the good ones are eager to learn.”
Read More: Catch up with Guus Hiddink's Chelsea press conference in full.
