Successor decision up to Blues - Guus

The Dutchman has a very close relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the Blues are expected to ask Hiddink who his successor should be when he goes back to being full-time coach of Russia in the summer.

But Hiddink admits that, so far, he has not put any of his views forward to the board and said: "It's up to the board, the people who make that final decision in this club. Even if I would have some ideas or thoughts, then I would have addressed myself to the persons who have to make decisions. But not so far."

Hiddink also refused to comment on continuing speculation that fellow Dutchman Frank Rijkaard, currently out of work, could be his replacement.

"I know Frank, but I know Carlo Ancelotti and other candidates whose names have appeared," said Hiddink. "I cannot give any comments on this. They, and others, have experience of big clubs."

Hiddink also insists he will not feel guilty about walking away from the players he has transformed since his arrival as successor to the sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"We're getting very sentimental now," said Hiddink.

"It's a tough business, even if there are human sentiments.

"I love working here - that's no secret - and some players talk about that, but you have to think about what was first in this relationship.

"If it had been the other way around, then yes. But guilt? I'd only feel that if I'd done something wrong, morally."