Hiddink on Pato, resting Costa, Baba, Van Gaal’s ‘dive’ and where Chelsea ‘belong’
Guus Hiddink was asked about a number of issues at Monday’s news conference ahead of the game against Norwich. Here’s a round-up of what the Chelsea interim boss had to say.
On Pedro’s hamstring injury
“Yesterday he was here for treatment. Normally with these kind of injuries – but I need the information from the medical staff – I’m not that positive that it will be resolved in a few days.”
On whether he might rest Diego Costa
“There is a possibility, yes. We have two league games coming up before PSG. We must be careful with some players that they are not going over the top.”
On John Terry’s recovery
“John is doing some running. We’ll see how he reacts after training this week. I’m cautious, because with these type of injuries there is a danger of getting a setback. You must be careful.”
On Alexandre Pato and Bertrand Traore
“He (Pato) is not ready for 90 minutes but he is able to play part of the game. He is eager of course, and we have now healthy competition going on between the strikers in a very good atmosphere with Diego Costa as the number one. But the other ones have stepped up.
“Especially I am happy with the progress of Bertrand Traore. Although he is a young guy and the others might have more status, I am not just looking at that but I am looking at the young guys who are making progress.
“He and Loic Remy are also in the position to compete. But once more I underline that we consider also the chances for the young guys. At the moment to be fair to everyone they are a bit ahead in this moment. I like fair competition.”
On Baba’s mistake at Southampton
“We have talked to him. Of course he was upset and you have seen the image on the pitch when he put the shirt over his face and he thought ‘Oh what did I do?’ At half-time he was sitting in the dressing room and he was down. That is why we made the change, but not the only reason why.
“He has to recover. He did some decent play in the recent games but we like to be critical because it is also obvious that defensively you have to do your job as well.”
On Radamel Falcao
“Falcao is now touching the grass. He is in treatment but also on the pitch but not with the group. He is individually training.”
On Chelsea’s progress
“When I started in December we were close to the relegation zone and the first objective – and it was a sad objective – was to as soon as possible get out of this. I think the team did very well, so in a relatively short time we have accomplished let’s say the in-between target, which is not the (long-term) target for Chelsea, of course. We’d like to go where Chelsea belong. It belongs in the top of England.”
On the attitude of the players
“I’m happy with their attitude in training and in games. We have had some setbacks during games – for example in the last game, at Southampton. They are resilient and they like to come back.”
On the centre-back partnership of Cahill and Ivanovic
“They came in and of course it was not new for Branislav to play in that position – I saw him play there before he was at Chelsea and he did well. He can play in either position and with Cahill it’s a good combination and they have done well. They have managed to encourage the team as well. Ivanovic might be one of the top headers in the league.”
On Ruben Loftus-Cheek
“We made a special analysis of how he has to progress and he’s working on that. When I came here I thought he was 23 or 24, which indicates that he has a future. We have worked specifically with him and it will pay off in the upcoming games. I don’t give any guarantee but he will have his minutes.”
On Louis van Gaal’s ‘dive’
“I saw it. You can see that he has been educated as a physical teacher – you practice judo. I have also had some judo so I am able to do that as well.”
On the possibility of Chelsea being in next season’s Europa League
“You can use your squad. There will be youngsters as well. You can give them opportunities.”
