Chelsea's new temporary coach has spoken out for the first time today about his reasons for taking on the role at the west London outfit, and also of his ambitions for the Blues.

Guus Hiddink confirmed the suspicions of many when he admitted that his friendly relationship with Chelsea's Russian multi-billionaire owner Roman Abramovich was a key factor in his deciding to assume the Chelsea role as well as continuing with his work as Russian national team coach.

"When the situation occurred as its happened now then I was asked to come," the Dutchman explained to ChelseaTV earlier.

"[It's] because of my relationship with Roman Abramovich as well, and of course, it's a big club.

"But let me be honest. I came because he [Abramovich] asked me to join the club for the upcoming time."

Hiddink was also insistent that, despite the gloomy outlook of many supporters, the Blues still had plenty to play for during the rest of this campaign.

"They are in several races," he added. "The FA Cup is there, there's the Champions League, but also the league.

"There's a ten point difference as you mentioned, but if you look into the past, not just in this league but other leagues as well, some things can happen during the final stages of the championship."

The former South Korea manager, who also successfully c****ined the roles of coaching the Australian national side and PSV Eindhoven between 2002 and 2006, met the players for the first time at Chelsea's Cobham training ground today, and seemed to have a positive initial impression.

Ivorian striker Saloman Kalou asserted to Sky Sports News that Hiddink was "a nice guy," and he was "really excited" to be working with him.