Mikel: No going back

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi insists Guus Hiddink’s replacement has to build on the foundations laid down by the outgoing Dutchman.

Hiddink will quit at Chelsea’s interim coach after the FA Cup final against Everton on Saturday and return to his main role as boss of Russia’s national side.

The Dutch coach is determined to lead Russia into the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa and has resisted all attempts to get him to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Players and fans have called for Hiddink to announce a U-turn on his decision to leave after Saturday’s end-of-season showpiece but the Dutchman has remained steadfast.

So, with Hiddink’s mind set on a return to Russia, Mikel is adamant they must send him back with an FA Cup success under his belt.

The Nigerian midfielder explained: “It’s very important for the players and everyone. We have to win the Cup for the manager.

“We haven’t won anything since we won the FA Cup in 2007, so we have to make sure we win this one.

“If we win, it will bring back a little bit of hope back to the club and back into the players.”