Watford vs. Chelsea: Key Takeaways from Guus Hiddink's Pre-Match Presser

Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink told reporters on Tuesday he was surprised captain John Terry took the news the Blues aren't planning on giving him a new contract public, and he warned Pep Guardiola he will be in for an entirely new challenge when he starts as Manchester City manager this summer.  

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Premier League match against Watford on Wednesday, the interim boss was asked about the club's decision not to re-sign Terry, as reported by Jeremy Wilson of the Daily Telegraph.

Per Jacob Murtagh of the Daily Mirror, the Dutchman emphasised Terry might still return to the club next season, while he also stated the veteran had every right to take the news public:

"

It was a bit surprising, but he’s entirely up to him to do so.

There was no specific decision made yet. It’s still early. Dialogue is always possible.

John’s statistics and the views I have in him is very fit. He’s not what you see in a 35-year-old player.

He is performing and I am convinced he will do regardless of the situation. He will be professional.

"

The news Terry seems set to leave the club came as a major shock, as the former England international and Chelsea club legend announced he would not be handed a new contract after the FA Cup win over MK Dons.

Chelsea have since made it clear no final decision has been made yet, something Hiddink repeated on Tuesday. Where the two parties go from here is unclear, although Terry still seems more likely to leave.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

While Hiddink sat down to talk about the upcoming match against Watford, other topics dominated the press conference in the wake of Monday's transfer deadline day.

Manchester City officially announced Guardiola will be taking over as manager during the summer, per ESPN FC, and Hiddink warned the Spaniard he will find the Premier League more challenging due to the large amount of clubs vying for the title, per the Blues' official Twitter account:

Guardiola has found much success in the past, winning countless trophies in Spain and Germany, but those leagues are traditionally dominated by the same two or three clubs. The same doesn't go for the Premier League, and Chelsea's abysmal spot in the standings is a prime example of that.

Striker Loic Remy surprisingly didn't leave the club on transfer deadline day, despite being linked with both Leicester City and Newcastle United, per Sky Sports (h/t the Independent's George Cooper).

The arrival of Alexandre Pato seemed to open the door for an exit, as the Frenchman isn't expected to play a major role in the club's plans moving forward. Hiddink maintained he will have a role to play once he returns to fitness, however:

Per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey, Hiddink revealed Pato had to leave England due to “bureaucratic stuff” on Monday, and given his lack of training sessions with the Blues, he's unlikely to make his debut for some time:

Turning his attention to Watford, Hiddink expects a difficult challenge:

The Hornets shot up the standings thanks to an incredible run of results earlier this season, but they've come back down to Earth a bit recently and enter Wednesday's match having lost four of their last five Premier League outings.

The attacking duo of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo remains one of the most prolific in the league, however, and it played a vital role in the 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Jan. 23. If Chelsea have any hopes of going on a run and finishing the season in the European spots, a big result on Wednesday would be a good place to start.

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