Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has revealed he has agreed to act as an unofficial advisor to the club next season.

The Dutchman steps down as manager after the FA Cup Final on 30 May to revert full time to his role as boss of Russia.

Both posts came as a result of a close friendship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and those links look set to continue at club level.

Hiddink said: “My time here has given me a lot of satisfaction but it won't be too dramatic a goodbye afterwards because I will unofficially keep my connection with the club.

“Every now and then I will come and visit to do whatever might be needed but not in an official situation.”

Exactly how Hiddink's full-time successor will react to the revelation remains to be seen, with AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti rumoured to be hours away from accepting the post.

Sunday's game against Blackburn will be Hiddink's last in front of the Stamford Bridge crowd.

He said: “I'm not going to cry. I have enjoyed very much working at this club with these players. There is a feeling not of regret but of sadness.”

Hiddink paid tribute to Manchester United's coolness under pressure as they close in on their third title in a row.

“Every team in this tough league will experience some period of less performances', which is normal,” said Hiddink. “In that period, the quality of United was not to panic, to stick to their jobs.”

Injury and illness have affected Hiddink's preparations for the game with Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti both being sent home from training after suffering from a virus.

Forward Salomon Kalou is definitely out after suffering an ankle injury in a midweek Stamford Bridge friendly with Manchester City.

Hiddink said: “I doubt he will be available for Sunday but I don't think his season is over. After the weekend he should be okay.”