New Chelsea star endorses Guus Hiddink as permanent manager

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Diego Simeone and Antonio Conte may want to hold off on buying property in London, because at the rate things are going the Chelsea players may have a big impact in determining who gets the top job at Stamford Bridge. After receiving a thumbs-up from Oscar this past weekend, Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has received yet another endorsement from the locker room to become the permanent manager of the club again.

According to ESPN FC, John Obi Mikel stated in an interview that the overwhelming majority of players stand behind Hiddink and want him to stay on as manager. He noted that players who were miserable just a few months ago are suddenly much happier – particularly forward Diego Costa, who has contributed double-digit goals since Hiddink took over for Jose Mourinho in mid-December.

“Obviously I want him to stay, but it’s the choice of the owner, the club and the board,” Mikel said. “They will have to decide but if you ask the players, I think 98, 99 percent of them want him to stay. We’re very happy, performing well and let’s hope it continues.

“You can see it with Diego (Costa). It takes a lot to get Diego in a good mood!”

Mikel added that while he knows that the decision lies in the hands of the executives and that Hiddink has stated he’s only sticking around until the end of the 2015-16 campaign, he hopes Hiddink will change is mind and lobby to stay.

“It depends on the board. It depends on Guus too, whether he wants to continue. He’s said a few times he’s here until the end of the season but you never know. He might change his mind and if the club wants to appoint him, then fair enough. His record speaks very highly of him.”

Chelsea have just one loss in all competitions since Hiddink took over. In their last two wins, Chelsea have outscored Newcastle United and Manchester City by a combined 10-2.

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