Hiddink pleased with Chelsea ‘ambition’

Matt Stead

Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink said he was happy with the “ambition” of his Chelsea players after drawing with Manchester United.

The Blues had eights shots compared to United’s 12 in the goalless draw, but had three on-target to United’s two, with the best chance of the game falling to Nemanja Matic. The Serb was put through on goal at the end of a Chelsea counter-attack, but skewed his effort over the bar.

Chelsea had just 33% possession at Old Trafford, but Hiddink, who has still been beaten just once after his two spells in charge at Stamford Bridge, was pleased with his players.

“Everyone knows we have some problems in our striker’s position due to suspension and injuries,” said the Dutchman. “We have not won, but now we are three games [unbeaten] and that is important.

“The team knows what to do, especially tactically it was OK, defensively well organised. We did not have the full, full power to hurt. But what I think is important now is that everyone is convinced to give his best for the team.

“And that is what I like to see. I think it is normal to see the character of the players, the desire, but I think they showed a lot of ambition in the last three games and that is what we are asking.

“And then automatically when everyone is on board, hopefully we can use the quality of the players as well.”