Guus tells players to 'look in the mirror'

New Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has asked his underperforming players to "look in the mirror" and claims their future at the club is at risk if they don't up their game.

The Dutchman has replaced Jose Mourinho but confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday it is only likely to be a short-term role.

He arrives with Chelsea struggling in 15th spot in the Premier League with supporters unhappy with players for their perceived failure to work for their predecessor.

Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard bore the brunt of supporter criticism but Hiddink's message to them was a clear one.

"I spoke fully to the squad and, of course, we talked a bit about the past, why I'm here, the reasons why we are down," he said.

"But on the other hand I told them things happen in football and I want everyone to look in the mirror, not just for two seconds, but longer.

"And see what anyone can contribute from now on to raise us up. That was what I was emphasising. Not to look back to much.

"We cannot ignore what has happened in the recent past, but I asked them and told them to look in the mirror and be hypercritical and give the best for the team. They have to look forward."

He added: "There must be a great desire to play. If you don't have that desire, please knock on my door and we'll talk. We'll talk briefly."

Hiddink is reprising the role he took in 2009, a season where he helped Chelsea win the FA Cup.

"I shouldn't be here, halfway into the season," the 69-year-old said as he gets ready for his first game in charge at home to Watford on Boxing Day.

"That means things are not going as well as foreseen at the beginning of the season. But anyhow I'm glad to be back. It's a few years ago that I was here in a similar situation and I tried to help out when I was asked to do so.

"I worked at that time with a lot of love for the club and to work with the players is great.

"First we said let's go to mid-May. But then we'll see. I will see what will happen. We have only spoken about until the end of the season."