Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink (Photo: AFP)
Guus Hiddink has refused to get involved in the debate concerning the recent struggles of compatriot Louis van Gaal at Manchester United because he has "enough problems" at Chelsea.
Van Gaal remains under immense pressure at Old Trafford with United currently in fifth position in the Premier League.
Hiddink has helped Chelsea show glimpses of improvement since taking charge as interim manager in December but his side are still languishing in 13th, 16 points from the Champions League places.
"This is a big match," he said ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. "Both have been big clubs, through the years. You know the recent history of this club. Of course they have under-performance.
"We are getting a bit back on track though I would like to have more victories than unbeaten draws but step by step the team is more stable and we hope to go into a beautiful spring time.
"It’s difficult for me to judge their problems, I have enough, not sorrows here because I like the job and the players and staff are working with a lot of ambition, but I am not going into the problems from other clubs as well."
Chelsea have a near full-strength squad although Alexandre Pato, on loan from Corinthians, is still not close to consideration.
"The squad is looking OK after Watford," said Hiddink. The players have come back in and they seem to be very fit except that (Radamel) Falcao and (Loic) Remy are not. For the rest it seems to be very good. Pedro did good training this morning and we will see how he reacts after an upper leg injury but I don't think there will be big problems.
"Pato is in his pre-season and we have made a training plan which he is doing now every day at least once but lots of days twice training which means he is getting his fitness but not full fitness yet.
Hiddink insists there has been no development on any further talks with John Terry as the captain gets ready for a first home game since he announced he will be leaving in the summer.
"I don't notice any change because first of all he is a very experienced player. He has gone through good things and storms in football which means he is very experienced," he said. "He likes to train and is having his laughs.
"We don't have any updates regarding his situation."
Hiddink insists there has been no bid from China for midfielder Oscar. "We and I think the club doesn't know anything about this so we are not going into speculation," he said.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: