The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge these days is not hard to spot. Such is the liveliness and camaraderie evident at the old stadium that the feeling is infectious to all and sundry present there. All has been credited to one man, Guus Hiddink. The legendary 69 year old was something of a cult hero already at Chelsea, having revived the club's fortunes when he took over from the unfortunate Luis Felipe Scolari. During his time there in 2009, the club won the FA Cup, placed third in the league and were seconds away from a second consecutive Champions League final if not for Andres Iniesta's heart wrenching goal and Tom Ovrebo's calamitous officiating on the night.


By taking over from the disgraced Jose Mourinho, who only 7 months earlier had won the league in brilliant fashion but lost the dressing room in a typical third-season syndrome, Hiddink broke a cardinal rule of life. Don't go back where you've shined, lest your reputation takes a nosedive. By accepting to be the interim manager of the club once again after Jose had been sacked in December, he risked his legacy and adulation the Blues supporters showered on him, for had he been he failed, he will be remembered for his failures rather than his success as most of us are apt to do.


He took over a team in confidence crisis. Top players performing nowhere near their levels and a seemingly divided locker-room. But at 69, there is nothing in football this man hasn't seen. He took away the mental shackles these players suffered, instilled confidence in them and allowed them to play with such freedom that they began to enjoy their football once more.


Players like Mikel and Baba Rahman, always permanently placed on the bench have featured more, benefiting the team with their freshness and willingness to impress. The likes of Hazard, Fabregas, Pedro and Costa have all benefited from his fatherly role, and the training ground seems more boisterous in the end.


He will leave in the summer, no doubt, but the players can give him a trophy or two for turning their season around.


Written By: KADIRI Ademola
Kadiriademola@gmail.com

Cc: Lalasticlala

Am An Arsenal Fan,

Sincerely Am Impressed with Hiddink,

Unlike our Agbaya Wenger

Wenger and Van gaal should learn from this man. Ktbffh!

PrinceElekwa:
Am An Arsenal Fan,

Sincerely Am Impressed with Hiddink,

Unlike our Agbaya Wenger