Hiddink has been tasked with integrating more of Chelsea's academy into the first-team

Mourinho was sacked after a torrid run of form saw the team slide down the Premier League table

The Dutchman, who also had a short spell in charge of the Blues in 2009, replaces Jose Mourinho


Cheslea interim manager Guus Hiddink has taken his first full training session since replacing Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

The 69-year-old, returning to west London after a seven-year absence, could be seen chatting to assistant boss Eddie Newton on Tuesday as he put the first team players through their paces on Tuesday afternoon.

Hiddink, who is tasked with improving the champions' woeful Premier League form, has been instructed to play more of the upcoming youth stars by club officials.

Chelsea have appointed Dutchman Guus Hiddink as interim manager until the end of the season after Jose Mourinho was sacked

Hiddink also had a spell in charge of Chelsea back in 2009 when he led the club to an FA Cup win over Everton at Wembley

Blues boss Hiddink, pictured here with assistant Eddie Newton (left), has been instructed to integrate more young players into the team

Hiddink talks to the Chelsea squad at the club's Cobham base ahead of the Boxing Day Premier League clash with Watford at home

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Spain international (right) has fallen some way short of expectations this season

There was major frustration within the club's hierarchy about the lack of academy players that made the breakthrough during Jose Mourinho's reign.

The axed Portuguese coach was expected to give a number of the club's best kids - in particular Ruben Loftus-Cheek - more game time this season.

But his apparent reluctance to play the most promising youngsters was a factor behind the decision to sack him.

And Hiddink will now be expected to give the likes of Loftus-Cheek, Ola Aina and Charly Musonda Jnr more game time between now and the end of the season, particularly if hopes of securing a top-four spot fade even further.

Roman Abramovich remains committed to making a success of Chelsea's academy and Hiddink has been tasked with grooming the club's most promising stars for the next manager.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa (left) has been struggling for form this term and Hiddink will look to get the best out of him

Hiddink is tasked with improving Chelsea's poor Premier League form and helping them to a more fitting finish in the final table

Hiddink, who is a friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, is about to embark on his second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea fans have often voiced their frustrations about the neglect of the club's academy and Hiddink must look to square that circle

The Dutchman will be in the dugout at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2009 when Chelsea play Watford in the Premier League

Chelsea are desperate to strengthen their homegrown options and believe promoting talent from their academy is the best way to do that.

There is particular angst at Stamford Bridge about the way Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne were allowed to leave by Mourinho given the pair have both gone on to prove themselves in the Premier League with Everton and Manchester City respectively.

Indeed, Abramovich is convinced there is plenty of talent in Chelsea's youth set-up and Hiddink will play a key role in helping to bring the club's stars of the future to the fore.

Chelsea are currently 15th in the Premier League table in stark contrast to last season when they won the title at a canter