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Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink targets winning silverware

Guus Hiddink celebrates with Chelsea's players after winning the 2009 FA Cup
Image: Guus Hiddink won the FA Cup during his first spell with Chelsea, beating Everton 2-1 in the final in 2009

Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink believes his side will be able to consider the season a success if they win a trophy.

The Blues have endured a difficult campaign in the Premier League and were just a point above the relegation zone when Hiddink was chosen as the man to succeed Jose Mourinho in December. 

Chelsea have improved under Hiddink's management, but still remain in the bottom half of the Premier League in 13th spot, 19 points adrift of leaders Leicester and 14 points off Tottenham in the final Champions League position. 

Hiddink led Chelsea to the FA Cup in 2009 during his first spell at the club, and as his side prepare to face Milton Keynes Dons in the fourth round of the same competition on Sunday, the Dutchman feels winning any piece of silverware would constitute success. 

Diego Costa is congratulated after scoring for Chelsea against Arsenal
Image: Chelsea have improved under Hiddink and won 1-0 at Arsenal last time out

"It would be a huge achievement," he said. 

"When you look at the table in December, just before Christmas, then the team were one point off the relegation zone.

"We recovered a bit and made some steps with draws. Now, hopefully, we can make some steps with victories.

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"Then, still, you're not on top of this league, where Chelsea should be competing in the top four."

MK Dons v Chelsea preview
MK Dons v Chelsea preview

All the news ahead of the clash at Stadium:MK

Chelsea also remain in the Champions League and face a last-16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain, who knocked them out of the same competition at the same stage last season. 

Hiddink has overseen seven games in an eight-match unbeaten run ahead of the trip to stadium:mk and is yet to taste defeat since taking charge at Stamford Bridge. 

But when asked whether the FA Cup was more of a priority than the Premier League, given the club's current position in the race for a top-four finish, Hiddink said: "No, I don't want to confirm that, then we neglect a bit of the beauty and importance.

  Guus Hiddink, manager of Chelsea
Image: Hiddink says Chelsea will not turn their focus away from the Premier League

"Of course, the first step now is Sunday and the team now is so eager then to go into the Wednesday game (at Watford).

"I don't want to disrespect the Premier League, but that's after Sunday. It's theoretically, mathematically still possible (to reach the top four).

"As long as that's a possibility, we'll go for that. We'll also go for the other targets."

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