14 Apr 2009

Hiddink will leave, no Mourinho return

5:19 pm on 14 April 2009

Guus Hiddink will definitely not be staying on as the manager of the London football club Chelsea next season and Jose Mourinho is not coming back.

That's the official word from Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck.

He's reiterated that Hiddink was a temporary appointment two months ago and it is only thanks to the Russian Football Association that he was able to come here.

Hiddink is the coach of Russia.

Chelsea's owner Roman Abramovich is a major benefactor of Russian football as well as the Blues.

Hiddink was hired by Chelsea on a temporary basis in February after the sacking of Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The Dutchman is still committed to helping Russia qualify for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

But since his arrival Chelsea have re-ignited their title challenge, reached the FA Cup semi-finals and can make the Champions League semis on Wednesday when they host Liverpool having won the first leg 3-1 at Anfield.

Speculation about who Chelsea would turn to next if Hiddink leaves have been rife, with former boss Mourinho a leading candidate despite being on the verge of taking Inter Milan to the Serie A title in his first season.