Is Guus Hiddink's Arrival the Primary Reason Behind Chelsea's Resurgence?

Speaking at the London Football Awards, Chelsea legend and former caretaker manager Ray Wilkins told those in attendance, per PA Sport (h/t Sky Sports): "For me, [Guus Hiddink] is the ideal person to take over [as Chelsea manager]. You can see the way he has galvanised the squad, and the whole squad. They're putting in a great shift of work and looking as if they're going to win more games than they lose."

Wilkins' sentiment is also shared in Stamford Bridge's home dressing room.

John Obi Mikel—who has featured heavily since Hiddink's arrival—told the press, per Reuters (h/t Sky Sports): "Obviously, definitely I want him to stay. It is the choice of the owner, the club and the board... but if you speak to the players, 98 or 99 percent of them want him to stay."

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Despite this support, current Italy boss Antonio Conte is thought to be owner Roman Abramovich's choice for Chelsea's next permanent manager, per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey, but a groundswell of support exists for the Dutchman to continue his role as Blues' boss.

In the 15 matches Hiddink has overseen, Chelsea have lost once—to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. Twenty-one Premier League points from a potential 33 has the west Londoners up six places (from 16th to 10th), and possessing an outside chance for European football next season.

The west Londoners have seen a miraculous tradition since their interim boss took over. Many give that credit to Hiddink's calming influence. While certainly a variable, that is a shortsighted reaction to their current resurgence. The primary reason Chelsea have started winning games and are reminding us of the reigning champions is the players.

Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and others who were woeful during the season's first half, suddenly became world-class footballers in the space of weeks.

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"

Three wins in a row.

Since Hiddink arrived, it's proven our players were intentionally dropping points to start the season.

— ChelseaTalk (@ChelseaTaIk) 1 March 2016"

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It felt and feels awfully suspicious, begging the question: "Is Hiddink's arrival the key component or just the removal of Jose Mourinho?" In other words, could any competent manager—not named "Jose Mourinho"— have entered Chelsea's dressing room and achieved similar results?

Not discounting Hiddink's previous rapport with the likes of Mikel and John Terry, it seems Mourinho's exit was the catalyst for Fabregas, Costa, Eden Hazard and other struggling souls to pull themselves together.

Whether the season's first half was rust, poor luck, something more sinister from the players or a combination of all three, the Portuguese's dismissal is the only distinguishing factor Chelsea's season has had. 

Were Mourinho's sacking dismissal the turning point for Chelsea's season (and it appears so) uncovering why his sacking dismissal was necessary likely means finding the reason behind the Blues' sudden 180-degree turnaround.

Situations with doctors, unusual substitution patterns, uncomfortable press conferences, incessant media attention and whatever unseen, unreported strife were Mourinho's undoing, but what the world saw was the blatant disregard Chelsea players had on the pitch.  

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Removing Willian, Cesar Azpilicueta, Asmir Begovic and Kurt Zouma, one would be hard pressed finding someone who consistently played at their maximum under Mourinho this season. Enter Hiddink, and the list of performing footballers extends into double digits.

What must be frustrating as a Chelsea supporter is seeing how their team is currently playing—witnessing the crumbling empires of Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all around—and understanding a successful title defence was a genuine possibility.

One could blame Mourinho and/or praise Hiddink to a certain extent, but the last few months have proved what was readily apparent for those who cared: Chelsea players were playing when and where they wanted.

That boils down to professionalism and pride—not necessarily who the manager is or, in this case, isn't.

Follow @danieltiluk

*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.