Chelsea's FA Cup Victory Would Only Be Meaningful If Hiddink Was to Stay

Following Louis Saha’s goal after just 24 seconds yesterday, Chelsea dominated on a scorching day at Wembley and fully deserved to win the FA Cup.

The Blues dominated possession to an almost embarrassing level and whilst Tim Howard probably should have saved Frank Lampard’s winner, Chelsea could easily have scored more, with Florent Malouda missing a real sitter late on to make it 3-1.

Guus Hiddink has rightly taken the plaudits and the Dutchman’s tactical acumen shone through as Chelsea almost exclusively targeted Everton’s right flank, which is far weaker than their left.

The long-term impact of the Dutchman was also illustrated with the opening goal as Florent Malouda set up Didier Drogba—two players that have improved their performances irrevocably since Hiddink’s arrival set Chelsea on their way.

The one major surprise about Hiddink’s time at Stamford Bridge, has been that he won’t be staying and has kept his word to return to the Russia job. We are used to high-profile u-turns in high-level football and Hiddink’s refusal to stay-on has ensured he gains yet more respect for his time in the English game. Rarely do we encounter personalities who stay truthful to their word.

One fact to take from this whole episode is that Roman Abramovich’s clout in Russia must be considerably weaker than it was if he couldn’t prise Hiddink away, even on a part-time basis. But, more importantly for fans of Chelsea, it seems highly unlikely that Carlo Ancelotti, or any other currently available manager, will be able to get the Blues playing this well again.

The current AC Milan coach is expected to be confirmed as Chelsea’s new boss tomorrow, following the end of the Serie A season. Whilst Ancelotti’s new book showed the true character of the Italian, the fact he does not speak fluent English means he could well be marginalised much in the same way that Juande Ramos was at Tottenham.

Whilst Ancelotti reportedly appealed to Abramovich since he had won the Champions League twice as AC Milan boss in 2003 and 2007, the Rossoneri have struggled in recent years and lost top-dog status in Italy to an Inter Milan side that are good rather than great.

Most crucially of all, Ancelotti has failed to revitalise an AC Milan team who were aging and in need of an injection of youth and vigour, which is almost exactly the current situation which will welcome him when he arrives at Stamford Bridge.

Befitting a richer version of Mike Ashley, it seems Roman Abramovich will always struggle to make the right decision and will eventually rue the day he sacked Jose Mourinho. Hiddink has been quick to urge Chelsea to find some “stability,” but this will go out the window if the Blues are struggling at the midway point next season, just as it did under Scolari.

The Man of the Match on Saturday summed up Chelsea’s predicament now they have won their first trophy in two seasons. Ashley Cole said: “Guus will be a hard act to follow but I think, whoever comes in as manager next, we have to treat him exactly the same and show the passion that is here to win a bigger trophy next year.”

To really make progress next season, Chelsea need to win the Champions League or the Premier League. Ancelotti will have his work cut out in both competitions and trying to persuade Hiddink to return in a World Cup year may be beyond even the riches of Roman Abramovich in February 2010.

Chelsea are 5/2 to win the Premier League next season and 6/1 to claim their first ever Champions League trophy.