Hiddink dismisses Chelsea link

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has come under increasing pressure after suffering their third loss in four Premier League outings against Livepool on Sunday.

With former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink quitting his post as Turkey coach last week, there have been reports in the British press that he has been lined up as a replacement at Stamford Bridge.

The Dutchman denies this but he revealed that he is still in contact with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
 
When asked whether he had received an offer from Chelsea, he told RT: "No, I was contracted to the Turkish Federation at the time. The relationship (with Abramovich) was and has been and will be very good. When I go to London, I am always welcome at Cobham (Chelsea's training ground) and the stadium. We don't speak every week but every now and then there is contact and I feel very welcome always.
 
"I will take some time off and we will see what the future brings. I have made a decision to stop the previous job and then one must take some time to reflect and look where there is a prestigious project, not just football but also through other things where I can help somewhere.
 
"I haven't agreed anything with anyone because I was in Turkey, that's why I will take my time to settle down and reflect on what to do. Whether it's nothing because I am 65 and can retire but I feel I have enough energy to go on and what the future brings we will see."

Chelsea are now 12 points adrift of leaders Manchester City and, following their 2-1 reverse against Kenny Dalglish's side, Villas-Boas admitted their title hopes had suffered a "big blow".
 
Despite his team's current plight, Villas-Boas is adamant Abramovich has confidence in his long-term plans, though that has not stopped speculation that his position is now in question.
 
One man that has been constantly linked with the top job at Chelsea has been Hiddink, after the Dutchman led the club to FA Cup glory when acting as a caretaker manager in 2009.

Hiddink left his post as Turkey coach last week after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. Although he is now a free agent, the 65-year-old says he is eager to take some time off before deciding what his future holds.
 

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