EPL: Chelsea Name Guus Hiddink as New Manager

Chelsea FC have confirmed Guus Hiddink as their replacement manager for recently-sacked Felipe Scolari. Hiddink, who is also the coach for the Russian National team, will take on both roles and remain with the blues for the rest of the season. Hiddink had previously been rumored to coach the west London club in the past, but had always turned down any possible move in favor of his national-team duties.

Now, in a time of mild crisis for the blues and owner Roman Abramovich's close relationship to the 62-year-old Dutchman, Hiddink will try to salvage some hope in a rather poor season for Chelsea. Abramovich was the reason Hiddink was given the Russian job along with the salary, which is also taken care of by the Chelsea owner.

Now, thanks to Russia's resurgence in world football, it is no surprise that the Russian hierarchy allowed Abramovich to borrow Hiddink for his side. Hiddink will now add Chelsea to his long resume, which has included stops at PSV Eindhoven, Valencia, Real Madrid, as well as national roles for Australia, South Korea, and Russia. He has won numerous league titles, a Champions League trophy, and the Intercontinental Cup.

Hiddink will likely watch his new team from the stands as they take on Watford in the fifth round of the FA Cup. His move to England allows him to coach arguably the best team in his tenure, who currently sit fourth in the Premier league. While winning the league seems very unlikely, the FA Cup and Champions League are still a possibility.

The blues take on Juventus later this month in hopes of reaching the finals. Before that, they have a clash with Aston Villa, who currently sit two points ahead of them. Hiddink will have his work cut out for him, since Russia also have World Cup qualifiers to be played during the Chelsea campaign. It will be interesting to see how the Russian Football Union will cooperate with Hiddink's second job.

Perhaps training will now be held in England where two of Hiddink's stars are already based (Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko). Whatever the situation will be, Hiddink has his work cut out for him as Chelsea hope to salvage something out this lackluster season; and Russia hope to qualify for the World Cup for just the third time in the nation's history.

Hopefully the Dutch wizard still has some tricks left in his bag.