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BALLACK BACKS HIDDINK
Michael Ballack wants Guus Hiddink to remain as Chelsea manager beyond the end of this season.
The Dutchman was brought in to replace the sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari, but insists the arrangement will only be short-term due to his commitments as coach of the Russia national team.
But midfielder Ballack, who has seen the Blues win their first three matches under Hiddink's guidance, believes the respected tactician could be persuaded to change his mind if the Stamford Bridge club can secure some silverware.
Chelsea remain in contention in the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League and are back up to second in the Premier League, albeit seven points adrift of leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand.
The German international told reporters: "It's always good for a team if you have consistency. At the moment, the situation is clear - the coach has a contract with Russia and everyone respects this.
"But in football a lot of things are possible. If we have success with him, maybe he'll want to stay.
"We are happy with him. We hope he can stay longer with us but it's his decision."
Ballack, who was reported to be one of the senior players unhappy with the training methods employed by Scolari, claims Chelsea were not playing to their strengths under the World Cup winning coach.
He added: "Chelsea's strengths were always our commitment and power but we lost it a little bit in the last few weeks.
"We never had the style of a team like Arsenal, who played more football, but we had the power and commitment. We have to try to get back to that."