Guus Hiddink began his resuscitiation of Chelsea's season today by travelling to London and meeting the players at training.

The Dutchman, who is also coach of the Russian national team and will c****ine both roles until the end of the season, had a look round the stadium and training facilites as he began his takeover from previous manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"(Hiddink) arrived at the training ground shortly before 1pm when he was greeted by (chief executive) Peter Kenyon," the club's official website confirmed earlier.

"The pair took a tour of the main building and met some of the players in the treatment room."

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was also reportedly present for the visit of the Dutchman, said to be a close personal friend of the Russian oligarch, whose Russian side played with such impressive skill and verve at Euro 2008.

Hiddink watched caretaker boss Ray Wilkins, the coach who will take charge for the weekend's FA Cup tie, direct training, before enjoying a lenghty conversation with the former England midfielder.