Chelsea face in-form Watford this Saturday in Guus Hiddink's first game back since his appointment as Jose Mourinho’s successor.
The returning interim manager was in the stands at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea beat Sunderland 3-1 in their first game without the Special One.
Chelsea remain in 15th only three points above the relegation zone as we enter the festive period.
But following last weekend’s win, and with a new man in charge, things could be about to improve at the Bridge.
Here’s what the Dutchman had to say in his first press conference since taking control.
Hazard back training
Hiddink has confirmed that Eden Hazard has returned to training.
The 24-year-old Belgian picked up an injury against Leicester and missed Chelsea’s win last Saturday.
But he is on the comeback trail and was back working at Cobham today.
Hiddink said: “Well, he had a terrific season last year, and it's also normal you can have a setback after that. But I think he can be a key player. He is a key player. As captain of the national team in Belgium, but also here when he gets back into shape. He was unlucky to be injured recently, which was another setback.”
Open door for younger players
Hiddink has reassured the younger members at Chelsea they can earn a place in the first-team
He said: “First of all I must be convinced of their quality first of all. I'm not going to say I'm going to bring in a 17-year-old now, but if they are competitive, I'm not against giving them an opportunity.”
Drogba return?
The 69-year-old has opened the door for Didier Drogba to return to Chelsea for a third spell
A move was talked up after the Ivorian striker was sat next to Hiddink during the Sunderland game and the Dutch manager was full of praise
He said: “I worked with him five or six years ago, and I was delighted to have such a professional in the squad. He is a legend already in this club, but also outside this club in the world. So it's nice for guys with these big hearts to connect them somehow with the club.”
The 37-year-old is currently on off-season from the MLS, having moved to Montreal Impact from Chelsea back in the summer.
Holding fire on transfer plans
Chelsea have been linked with a number of players ahead of the opening of the transfer window next month.
They could certainly do with more firepower up front but Hiddink is reserving judgement until he’s had a chance to run the rule over the current crop.
He said: “Let's go into the next few games and then we'll see. We didn't stipulate, but we know also that it's always open. But first I like to embed a bit now in the first days and games, and then we'll see what happens. It depends on the results.”
Reflection before progression
The players have been told to buck up and stop feeling sorry for themselves as the Dutchman aims to lift the spirits
Hiddink has attempted to give psychological guidance to his team in order to see improvements to performances and results
He said: “Yesterday I spoke fully to the squad and, of course, we talked a bit about the past. Why I'm here. The reasons why we are down. But on the other hand I told them things happen in football and I want everyone to look in the mirror, not just for two seconds, but longer. And see what anyone can contribute from now on to raise us up.”
Following Mourinho’s exit, captain John Terry has claimed the players feel guilty, but the Dutch interim does not want his players to look back
“That was what I was emphasising. Not to look back to much. We cannot ignore what has happened in the recent past, but I asked them and told them to look in the mirror and be hypercritical and give the best for the team. They have to look forward,” Hiddink added.
