Guus Hiddink defends Costa, builds-up Hazard ahead of massive PSG clash

Chelsea's game against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday is arguably the most important match of the season for the Blues, as Chelsea need at least a 1-0 win or  a win by at least two goals (should PSG score) to go through to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

It's going to be a highly charged, emotional affair.

On Tuesday, striker Diego Costa was labelled a "fraud"/"impostor" by PSG's social media department. Costa also took fire from manager Laurent Blanc who alerted his players on potential "provocations" coming from the striker.  Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, as he had done several times previously, defended Costa and praised him for his goal scoring contributions (the vast majority of which have come outside the Champions League).

"[Diego Costa] has behaved very well [for me] and I'm very proud of him and the way he's playing, and what he did. He's not going over the edge, but he likes to fight in the real way of the game, and that's what we like. I protect him and support him when he's doing what he's done in my period at Chelsea."

-Guus Hiddink; Source: ESPN

"Diego has scored recently in not the worst league in the world. He is frequently scoring since December. Before that it was he and the team that had a problem not scoring so let's hope and see if he can make it on the European level as well."

-Guus Hiddink; Source: Chelsea FC

Unlike Diego Costa, attacking midfielder Eden Hazard hasn't found his good form yet for Chelsea. Hiddink revealed that Hazard played the first leg while not being in top physical condition, but now he expects the player to show his full worth on the pitch..

"Eden at the time when we were playing away in Paris was just coming back from a rather severe injury and we could not ask him to be top game-fit. We are now some weeks further on and he can and must show tomorrow what he is capable of, which is more than in the away game, but the reason for his substitution was to not go into a danger zone due to his recent comeback from his injury. We think he can deliver now at full fitness."

-Guus Hiddink; Source: Chelsea FC

Chelsea and PSG have been drawn for the third time in three years, a rather unlikely scenario even if there's not much variety in the names involved in the Champions League's playoffs. Still, Hiddink hopes that a good spectacle can come from our match-up tomorrow.

"It is always good to have an away goal in a European game. That doesn't make it easy of course but it is a game between two big teams in European football. It will be a clash between two adventurous sides that hopefully Europe will enjoy."

-Guus Hiddink; Source: Chelsea FC

Here's hoping that Chelsea fans can also enjoy going through the Champions League, after having to endure so many heart-breaking moments throughout the 2015-16 season.