Guus
Hiddink claims Chelsea's
Super Sunday clash with Manchester United
remains a big deal, despite the sides' struggles in the Premier League this
season.
Hiddink is yet to taste defeat during his second spell at Stamford Bridge
since being chosen as the man to replace Jose Mourinho in December and has
helped ease the club's fears of relegation.
Although he is unbeaten in seven Premier League matches, Hiddink has been
unable to spark a significant rise up the table and Chelsea enter the match
with United in 13th place, 16 points off Arsenal in the final Champions
League spot.
Fifth-placed United have also found the going tough this season, but manager
Louis van Gaal has continually bristled at suggestions that his position at
Old Trafford is under scrutiny.
Ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge, which is live on Sky Sports, Hiddink
said: "This is a big match.
"Manchester [United] has to compete and likes to compete for the title, this
year. And they must go into the Champions League positions.
"You know the recent history of this club. We're getting back a bit on
track, although I'd like to have a few more victories.
"The team is step by step more stable and now we hope to go into a beautiful
springtime."
Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Watford on Wednesday night, with
forward Diego Costa denied a late winner at Vicarage Road.
Hiddink repeated his recent call for others - made prior to the 5-1 FA Cup
win at MK Dons, when Oscar scored a hat-trick - to share the goalscoring
burden with Costa, who has scored 10 times in all competitions this season.
"I said before the FA Cup game we must not just depend on Diego for goals,"
Hiddink added. "They responded, Oscar responded after that. We need the
attackers to finish it off.
"I am not worried when one game [Costa] doesn't score. If he doesn't score
other players must take the opportunity."
Eden Hazard scored his first Chelsea goal of the season - and for 31 games -
at stadium:mk and could start in the Premier League for the first time in
five weeks against United.
"Bringing him back at a good level is key for us," Hiddink added.
"And not taking big, big risks, because many games are coming up and we need
him."
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