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Chelsea's newest interim manager is clearly hoping for a Christmas miracle of three. Or should we call them Hiddink miracles? After all, chances are he would've accomplished more than just one these very same goals back in 2009 were it not for a certain Tom Henning Øvreboø.
"We didn't even lose to Barcelona in the semis."
"It is a different group of players. The players at that time were big players, leaders. Although they were not performing well, they were Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien. Now we also have big players, but it's difficult to compare."
-Guus Hiddink; source: Mail
The players may not be comparable, but the task at hand is quite similar. Just like in 2009, Chelsea are still fighting in two cup competitions where anything can happen (FA Cup, Champions League) and are 10-11 points from a more desirable league position. Back then, the deficit was to the top of the table; this time, it's to fourth place.
"Generally, I set targets. If the target is impossible, don't do it."
"But I did put that to them, because mathematically it's possible, to get into fourth position. Then the Champions League. Then the FA Cup. Three targets still to go. On top of that - or as a foundation of that - they must show now what they're capable of. As a consequence, then, you go to those targets."
-Guus Hiddink; source: Mail
FA Cup. Champions League. Fourth place. Lofty. Attainable? Unrealistic? The season starts now, finally?