Monday 29 February 2016 14:43, UK
Guus Hiddink says he has been greatly encouraged by Chelsea's climb up the table since taking over at Stamford Bridge late last year.
The Blues came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 at St Mary's on Saturday, a result that leaves them in 11th place in the Premier League on 36 points going into the midweek fixtures.
Last season's champions were just one point clear of the drop zone when Hiddink took over on an interim basis and the Dutchman is delighted by their progress since.
"When I started in December, we were close to the relegation zone, one point, and the first objective was a big one, to get as soon as possible away from that," he said.
"We've done well so in the relatively short time we have accomplished that target. That encourages us to go on. When this goal is achieved, we look to fifth or other places. But that's rather difficult. We like to go as far as we can go.
"I expressed my personal opinion in my previous press conference. When the club can be transparent, it's good for everyone, as long as calmness is not translated into sitting back a bit.
"You have to go forward with stability to get this club where it belongs, which is at the top of England."
Alexandre Pato has yet to make his Chelsea debut, having arrived on loan from Corinthians during the January transfer window, but Hiddink confirmed he is in contention to play at Norwich on Tuesday.
"He is eager and of course we now have healthy competition between the strikers, in a very good atmosphere, with Diego Costa the number one," he added.
"But the others have stood up, and I'm pleased with the progress of Bertrand Traore. I'm also looking to the young guys making good progress, while Pato and Loic Remy are in position to compete too."
And Hiddink insisted he is in no hurry to rush club captain John Terry back from the hamstring injury he suffered in the 5-1 victory over Newcastle United earlier this month.
Terry has not figured in the three matches since and Hiddink will ensure he is fully recovered from the problem before considering him for a return to the team.
"John is running again and we will see how he will react to that in training this week," he added.
"I am a little bit cautious because there is a danger of suffering a setback with these kind of injuries. Regardless of your age, you must be very careful with these kind of injuries."
