Hiddink plays down Chelsea revival

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Red Devils beat Tottenham on penalties to win their second trophy of the campaign after securing the FIFA Club World Cup title before Christmas. Chelsea moved back up into second place in the Premier League over the weekend, but remain seven points adrift of Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who have a game in hand.

"I am not naive. They have a very good squad, but as long as there is a possibility, you never know. However, realistically, it will be difficult," said Hiddink.

"I like a team that does not give up. I liked the way the team reacted against Wigan after we conceded the goal, and that is just like I see the championship as well. We have to go as long as it is possible."

The Dutchman added: "We have the ambition to go and be [at the top] in the end of the May, so we have to stop them.

"They have always been classical clashes between two powerhouses, but let's make a few steps first."

Hiddink has won all of his matches since taking charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Russia national team coach has been impressed by the response of the Chelsea players, who fought back to beat Wigan with a stoppage-time goal from Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

"What I see is that the players are disciplined and committed to what we want to do," he said.

"We would like to improve our control in games. Sometimes, and it is also to do with the quality of the opponents, we have struggled too much to get the game controlled. We have taken a maximum haul from the last few games, but there is always something we can improve on."