Hiddink refuses to criticise Pedro after Chelsea draw
Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink stopped short of criticising Pedro after substituting the Spaniard at half-time against West Bromwich Albion.
Pedro was at fault for Albion’s first equaliser at Stamford Bridge, where the Blues drew 2-2 after twice being ahead.
He was replaced by Kenedy, who again impressed after coming on – and played a key role in Chelsea’s second goal.
Hiddink said: “We were disappointed with the goal but we did not anticipate very well the loss of possession of the ball.
“But we are also in a period where we want give the youngsters some chances as well. He (Kennedy) is a young guy and was involved in the goal.
“They (youngsters) must get this experience as well. In the recent game we brought in Ruben Loftus-Cheek and now this guy as well.”
Cesar Azpilicueta put Chelsea in front before Craig Gardner levelled shortly after the half-hour mark.
Hiddink’s side regained the lead when Gareth McAuley, under pressure from Kenedy, turned Willan’s cross into his own net. But James McClean’s 86th-minute equaliser rescued a point for the visitors.
“It’s a fair result. We had a few chances to go 2-0 up, which didn’t happen,” Hiddink admitted.
“We conceded an unfortunate goal and it was rather easy goals we conceded.
“At the end the result is the result. It was a very entertaining, high-intensity game, but we always want to win.”
13/01/2016 @ 11:35 pm
Guss Hidink erroneous lecture of Chelsea problems was the cause of a new drop of points, in both goals a lack of reaction of John Terry cost Chelsea the goals. Hiddink replacement of Pedro for a dis articulated young player was a lack of respect to Chelsea prestige.
what do I mean for dis articulated? Moving through field as he wish not as part of a scheme or team.
It was enough time for Hiddink to realize that the lack of mobility and hardness of Terry makes any defense a tower of cards. Doesn’t Chelsea has the money to get a replacement? Nothing against Terry but against the managerial lack of determination character and clarity to change things.
Enough time for Hiddink to have realize that Azpilcueta is zero as left forward winger, is pathetic watching him giving nonsensical passes to Hazard and others. He must be moved to Ivanovich position, and if he can’t do better projections as right winger then look for a quality one.
Ivanovich is an excellent player but it is time to move him as a central defender, he still has many years in that position , not as demanding as his forced actual one.
So having Cahill, Zouma and Ivanovich plus ie Stones would be the central solution. Some will say Cahill is in a low, but quality he has and playing will be fit again for sure.
We have to give the chance to whatever player we have in the left defense, if He doesn’t response, then hire a new Ashley Cole.
Name Terry assistant manager but for God sake advance forward don’t be afraid of destiny.
I will explain different the team is a narrow elastic sheet with players on it, if we attack all pieces move as if the whole sheet move, the same for defense, but Chelsea has one piece nailed, glued and with one stone over it. That is Terry, today a mistake of Pedro that the defense didn’t respond, but this will happen again and again.