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Guus Hiddink: Chelsea Must Improve For Barcelona Semi-Final
The Dutch tactician says the Blues will not go unpunished if they make the same errors as during Tuesday's goal-fest at Stamford Bridge...
| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £18.33 | Draw £35.00 | Liverpool £42.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £19.10 | Draw £32.00 | Liverpool £43.30 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £19.09 | Draw £35.00 | Liverpool £42.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £18.30 | Draw £36.00 | Liverpool £45.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £18.60 | Draw £36.50 | Liverpool £45.50 |
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Apr 15, 2009 8:13:25 AM
After watching his Chelsea side scrape past Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals, manager Guus Hiddink insisted they must up their game when they face Barcelona in the next round.
The Blues, 3-1 up from the first leg at Anfield, were 2-0 down by half-time on Tuesday evening but fought back in the second half to earn a 4-4 draw and therefore ensure their progress.
However, there were several moments when Liverpool appeared to be on the verge of producing a remarkable comeback.
And while Hiddink admits the match was action-packed and full of excitement, he is also aware that another fixture of that kind may well end in their opponents' favour.
"My heart is now around 100 beats per minute because the game’s been finished for 15 minutes. But at the time of the game it was up to 160 or 180," Hiddink is quoted as saying by The Sun.
"I have had some dramatic matches but this was one of those games where everyone has made a lot of errors. That’s why it was so attractive, going from one end to the other. One time you think you’re down, next you react."
The Dutch tactician was pleased with Chelsea's second-half improvement, but says they will have to be at their best for 180 minutes to overcome La Blaugrana.
"We were angry at half-time because we didn’t start as we had planned and we know playing against Liverpool, a good team tactically with skilful players, you cannot give them a lot of space," he continued.
"We did, we dropped back too much. We also lost too many duels in the first half.
"It will be different against Barcelona in the semi-finals. They’re a very advanced team, very skilful who know how to handle the pace.
"I like their football philosophy. They sign players who are attractive to watch. That’s nice for themselves and their public.
"They’re a team that likes to play advanced, attacking football. They are top, so it’ll be difficult to play them. If we play like that it will be a difficult night."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
The Blues, 3-1 up from the first leg at Anfield, were 2-0 down by half-time on Tuesday evening but fought back in the second half to earn a 4-4 draw and therefore ensure their progress.
However, there were several moments when Liverpool appeared to be on the verge of producing a remarkable comeback.
And while Hiddink admits the match was action-packed and full of excitement, he is also aware that another fixture of that kind may well end in their opponents' favour.
"My heart is now around 100 beats per minute because the game’s been finished for 15 minutes. But at the time of the game it was up to 160 or 180," Hiddink is quoted as saying by The Sun.
"I have had some dramatic matches but this was one of those games where everyone has made a lot of errors. That’s why it was so attractive, going from one end to the other. One time you think you’re down, next you react."
The Dutch tactician was pleased with Chelsea's second-half improvement, but says they will have to be at their best for 180 minutes to overcome La Blaugrana.
"We were angry at half-time because we didn’t start as we had planned and we know playing against Liverpool, a good team tactically with skilful players, you cannot give them a lot of space," he continued.
"We did, we dropped back too much. We also lost too many duels in the first half.
"It will be different against Barcelona in the semi-finals. They’re a very advanced team, very skilful who know how to handle the pace.
"I like their football philosophy. They sign players who are attractive to watch. That’s nice for themselves and their public.
"They’re a team that likes to play advanced, attacking football. They are top, so it’ll be difficult to play them. If we play like that it will be a difficult night."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
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