Hiddink set to make changes

Blues boss has one eye on Barca clash with changes imminent

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 1st May 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hiddink set to make changes

Hiddink: Changes expected

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Guus Hiddink has revealed that he will make a number of changes to his Chelsea team for the derby with Fulham but insists he is still taking the game seriously.

The Dutchman could have one eye on the return-leg against Barcelona with the tie evenly poised at 0-0 from the first encounter in Spain.

If the Russia coach does have Barca on his mind then he will be sure not to let that feeling transcend to his players, with Hiddink insisting that preparation for the UEFA Champions League semi-final begins after the Cottagers clash.

Hiddink also added that his team were fit and feeling fresh but wanted to give the players who had been on the bench in recent weeks a run out.

"They don't like to rest that much," he said.

"There might be one or two changes in tomorrow's game but regarding that it's not like we are going to decrease the quality with the players coming in.

"We have players, not just 10 outfield players who have started but the players who are on the bench who have the quality to perform well and maybe one or two will start tomorrow.

"We are taking the game with Fulham very serious because they have been performing well for weeks and then after that we prepare for Barcelona."

Man's match

Hiddink also defended his side's tactics against the Catalans with Barca seemingly unhappy with the physical nature of the Blues' game.

"It was a man's match," he added. "There were some collisions, but from either side. It's a man's game. They were controlling and dominating the game and I'd have liked to have had some more initiatives, but they controlled it.

"I don't like to give in that easily. We were well organised and played well defensively. I'd like to have taken a little bit more of the initiative but they are a disciplined team as well.

"Under Pep Guardiola they know how to defend firmly and their centre-back too isn't afraid to make the game tough. On top of that, they can play.

"We didn't want to play anti-football. This team has proved for several months, and at the beginning of the season, that they can play football.

"We don't like to allow them to take the victory. This team has the character to fight as well."