Guus
Hiddink says incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will be expected to
mount a title challenge in his first season.
Hiddink was appointed in December after Jose Mourinho's Chelsea plummeted
from title winners in 2015-16 to candidates for relegation prior to
Christmas.
The Dutchman, in his second caretaker spell at Stamford Bridge, restored
stability, but he still has just one home win in the Premier League ahead of
Monday's match with title-chasing Tottenham.
Conte has been appointed as Mourinho's permanent successor and must secure
an immediate about turn in fortunes, according to Hiddink.
"The pressure is on. We have to see Chelsea next year again fighting for the
title and being on top," Hiddink said.
"There are many teams fighting for the title. Five, six clubs must always
express their desire for the title, including Chelsea."
Leicester need three more points to win the most unlikely of titles and
could achieve it on Sunday with victory at Manchester United.
If the Foxes fall short of a win at Old Trafford, Spurs must end a 26-year
wait for victory at Chelsea to have any chance of the title.
Hiddink reckons the influx of the TV revenue at the start of a bumper
broadcast contract will make the Premier League more competitive, with it
possible Leicester's challenge will be repeated.
"The established teams, clubs will desperately react, but with the means all
the clubs are getting now, they can be more competitive than just a one day
or one season happening," Hiddink said.
If the title race goes to final day, when Chelsea play Leicester at Stamford
Bridge, there is no suggestion the Blues will roll over to prevent Spurs
from winning the title.
"If so, we play our game, at our utmost," Hiddink said, before adding the
Foxes will be appropriately congratulated should they win the title.
"You must give the champions the guard (of honour), that is of course
normal," he said.
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