Chelsea are preparing for a new era following Antonio Conte's appointment as the club's new manager this week.

The Italian will officially assume control of the team after he leads out his country at this summer's European Championships in France.

Interim boss Guus Hiddink will continue to take charge until then and his next task is to prepare the Blues for a trip to Swansea this weekend.

We'll be bringing you updates from the Dutchman ahead of that game and his thoughts on Chelsea's next manager.

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Summary from Cobham

That’s all from Hiddink for now as he turns his attention to the written press - we’ll have more from that this evening on GetWestLondon.

Before we go, let’s take a quick look back what we’ve learnt from the Chelsea boss today.

  • Diego Costa, Loic Remy, John Terry, Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic are all unavailable for Swansea
  • Gary Cahill is a doubt for the trip to Wales
  • Hiddink says Antonio Conte can attract top players to Chelsea
  • Hiddink won’t take another day-to-day job next season but would be happy to help Chelsea ad-hoc
  • Chelsea’s young guns can expect more minutes at Swansea
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink gives a press conference
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink gives a press conference (Image: Alex Morton/Getty Images)
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Guus in the dark over Michael Emenalo

There have been reports in the press that Michael Emenalo has been given assurances about his position at Chelsea.

Emenalo is the club’s technical director and has come under fire for the club’s recent player recruitment failures.

Hiddink, though, is unaware of any developments over the transfer guru’s future.

Hiddink said: “No, you need to ask the people with that information.”

Michael Emenalo looks on
(Image: OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
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Hiddink not chasing records

Swansea have never beaten Chelsea in the Premier League in their nine meetings since the club’s promotion in 2011, including suffering their heaviest home defeat in 24 years when they were comprehensively beaten 5-0 in this fixture last year.

That history suggests Chelsea should remain unbeaten this weekend since Hiddink returned to the Premier League, however the interim manager is more interested in blooding youngsters than chasing personal glory.

He said: “It’s not an unbeaten record that I’m chasing. I prefer bringing in more youngsters with added risk. They need the experience.”

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Can Conte attract the big names?

Chelsea have missed out on qualifying for the Champions League next season.

That could make Antonio Conte’s job of attracting quality players more difficult.

Here’s Hiddink’s thoughts on the subject of recruitment.

He said: “The fact that Antonio Conte won’t be able to rely on the old guard (Lampard, Terry, Drogba et al) will make things more difficult.

“That depends on the project. If you can provide the players a plan for next season and the seasons to come then there might be an attraction for players.

“The CV of a manager can also attract players because coming in shows his commitment with no Champions League football.”

Here’s a look at some of the rumoured targets.

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Concern for Cahill

There’s a concern over Gary Cahill for tomorrow’s game.

He’s facing a fitness race for the Swansea game.

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Hiddink happy to take advisory role

Hiddink appears to have reached the end of his management career.

The interim boss will step down at the end of May.

However, he admits he will always be there for his pal Roman Abramovich if needed.

He said: “I will not do anything on a daily basis.

“If needed, I’m here for the club. This is a club that I love very much.”

Guus Hiddink talks to the media during a Chelsea Press Conference at Chelsea Training Ground
Guus Hiddink talks to the media during a Chelsea Press Conference at Chelsea Training Ground (Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Guus happy with progress since December

Chelsea may not be the champions-elect as they were when Jose Mourinho’s men put the Swans to the sword in South Wales last January, but they are yet to lose in the league since Guus Hiddink’s December appointment with their form since only bettered by title rivals Leicester and Tottenham.

Where would Chelsea be if he had come back sooner?

Hiddink: “It’s difficult to say. That doesn’t have much value if you see what we achieved between December and now.

“I think we have more points gathered than teams at the top of the table.

“I cannot say I should have come two or three weeks earlier. You have to judge from December.”

Interim manager Guus Hiddink of Chelsea talks to the media
Interim manager Guus Hiddink of Chelsea talks to the media (Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Injury problems for Swansea trip

Hiddink is updating us on the injury situation at Stamford Bridge by giving us the latest team news.

Diego Costa remains suspended after having his ban increased by the FA, but what about the rest of the Blues squad?

Here’s the latest from the interim Chelsea manager at Cobham.

We have a few injured players so we will bring in some youngsters.

John Terry has a little problem with his achilles.

Hazard is still out. Matic is out. Remy is out and Costa is still out, of course.

Chelsea's French striker Loic Remy warms up
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John Terry's future at Chelsea

Hiddink is quizzed on the future of John Terry - again.

He is asked if he spoke with Conte about the skipper’s future.

Hiddink said: “It’s not good for me to look too far into the future.

“If I have something to say and if I want to express my feelings directly.”

701 man: Chelsea skipper John Terry leads his side out after his 700th appearance last weekend
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Hiddink welcomes Conte appointment

Hiddink, as expected, begins today’s press conference by fielding a question on the man who will replace him this summer.

Antonio Conte was this week confirmed as Chelsea’s next permanent manager and he will take over after stepping down from his role as Italy boss.

What does the Dutchman make of the club’s decision to appoint the former Juventus chief?

He said: “It’s the choice of the club and when you look at his record, he made a good spell in Juventus, getting the title in Italy.

“This club is always keen to play for titles. It’s always a big job, regardless of the circumstances Chelsea has been in this year.

“He’s equipped to handle the pressure.”

Hiddink added: “There was the request that he could come and meet the players on the Tuesday.”

Head coach Antonio Conte looks on
(Image: Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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Costa's Swansea record

Diego Costa will still be suspended against Swansea.

And we reckon the Welsh side will be very pleased to hear that given his record against them!

Take a look at this stat...

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Chelsea keen to keep Costa

Atletico Madrid believe it will be “almost impossible” to bring Diego Costa back to the Vicente Calderon this summer.

The Chelsea striker is thought to be considering his options after being alerted to Atletico’s willingness to re-sign him.

Costa arrived at Stamford Bridge for a fee of £32million in July 2014 and has proven a big hit in west London.

He has scored an impressive 35 goals in 74 appearances but has also been involved in a number of controversies during his time in England.

The striker also came under fire from sections of the club’s support after a series of poor performances under Jose Mourinho earlier this season.

New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte , who this week signed a three-year contract to replace Guus Hiddink, is desperate to keep hold of the fiery Spaniard.

Conte is said to be keen to build a team around Costa and sees the likes of Alexandre Pato, Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy as more dispensable assets.

Diego Costa of Chelsea reacts
(Image: Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
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Take the Conte quiz

How much do you know about Chelsea’s incoming manager?

There’s been plenty of media coverage of the appointment this week to get your teeth into, so I’m sure you’re all experts by now!

Have a go at our Conte quiz to test your knowledge of the Italian.

Don’t forget to share your score and challenge your mates on social media!

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Roman's ambitions

Roman Abramovich has offered Antonio Conte a huge financial incentive for delivering Chelsea’s second Champions League triumph.

The Blues owner is counting the cost of missing out on a spot in Europe’s elite club competition next term after a disastrous 2015-16 campaign.

A shocking start under Jose Mourinho left the Premier League title holders way off the pace and replacement Guus Hiddink was unable to close the gap on the top four.

The loss of Champions League football is expected to cost Chelsea as much as £45million when broadcast and matchday revenue are factored in.

Hiddink’s spell as interim manager is due to come to an end this summer and Conte was this week confirmed as the club’s next permanent manager on a three-year contract.

His salary is understood to be worth around £5m a season at Stamford Bridge and the Italian is looking to restore Chelsea to their place at the top of English football.

Should the Azzurri coach achieve that aim, or at the very least secure the Blues a spot in the top four, Champions League football will return to the Bridge in 2018-19.

Abramovich covets European glory over all other trophies and is believed to have added a £5m bonus clause into Conte’s contract if he can lift the famous trinket.

Chelsea power players: Roman Abramovich and Antonio Conte
Chelsea power players: Roman Abramovich and Antonio Conte (Image: Getty)
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Visit to the training ground

Newly-appointed Chelsea manager Conte dropped into the club’s training ground on Tuesday to introduce himself to the squad.

The Italy chief was this week confirmed as the man to take over from Guus Hiddink when the interim boss steps down from his post in the summer.

Conte was keen to make his presence felt and took the opportunity to spring a surprise visit on the players with technical director Michael Emenalo.

He watched on from the sidelines for the final few minutes of a training session before holding a meet and greet with the Blues stars at the Cobham training complex.

Conte then had a brief chat with Hiddink, according to The Sun, while he faces allegations back in his home country as part of a match-fixing scandal.

Prosecutor Roberto Di Martino is seeking a suspended six-month match-fixing sentence for Conte as the trial got underway with a hearing without the new Blues boss.

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Support for Conte

The bookies are already taking bets on when he will be sacked but Chelsea supporters have given a big thumbs up to new boss Antonio Conte.

Conte flew into London to sign a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge this week after announcing his decision to step down from his post as Italy manager.

Interim Blues chief Guus Hiddink will officially hand over the reins this summer after Conte leads out his country at the European Championships in France.

Conte is already beginning to draw up transfer targets ahead of that date and made his presence felt with a surprise visit to the training ground on Tuesday.

His appointment has also sparked debate among supporters after being confirmed as Jose Mourinho’s permanent replacement.

The response from fans to the news has been overwhelming positive and a GetWestLondon Twitter poll revealed 90 per cent are happy with Conte getting the job.

Hundreds of Blues followers took part in the online survey and many also commented on the arrival of the 46-year-old former Juventus supremo.

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The scene at Cobham

We’re expecting a packed house at Cobham given this week’s developments.

The Antonio Conte news means there is added interest in the Blues today.

Hiddink should give us his thoughts on the Italian shortly.

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Good afternoon

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to today’s LIVE coverage of Guus Hiddink’s Swansea v Chelsea press conference.

The interim manager is due to sit down with the media at 1pm this lunchtime ahead of the trip to the Liberty Stadium.

He will be speaking to the press for the first time since the club announced Antonio Conte will be the man to replace him this summer.

So, there’s plenty on the agenda to discuss with Hiddink and we’ll be bringing you his thoughts as soon as we get them.

Stay tuned!

Guus Hiddink interim manager of Chelsea
(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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