Guus Hiddink: Chelsea have fallen behind Bayern Munich and Barcelona and must rebuild
GUUS HIDDINK admits Chelsea have fallen behind European football's big guns Barcelona and Bayern Munich and face a massive rebuilding job in the summer.
Guus Hiddink reckons next Chelsea boss will have a massive job on their hands to rebuild the club
Hiddink is due to leave at the end of this season, with Juventus manager Masimiliano Allegri and Italy coach Antonio Conte favourites to replace him.
And according to the Dutchman, whoever takes over faces a massive job to rebuild a squad that have flopped badly this season, and are almost certain to lose players at the end of this campaign.
Chelsea face Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round tomorrow at Stamford Bridge, and are 2-1 down from the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Paris St Germain.
Winning that competition looks to be their only chance of remaining among Europe's elite next season, and the Cup their only other chance of honours.
Hiddink, who will be without injured skipper John Terry again tomorrow, said: "Rebuilding is not going to be a small job.
"If you look at the potential of clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, it is huge. Look at Paris St Germain. They have a very strong not just first 11 - they can go to 15, 16, or 17 big players.
"We had youngsters on the bench against PSG on Tuesday. I am not scared to bring them in but in the long run, you need a very experienced bench.
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"Everyone has to make a good analysis about the strength of the squad here, about the weaknesses of the squad. They have to react in building up, or making the squad stronger for next season. That's not a small job.
"I am here for the interim period. The people who are not responsible for the every-day stuff and games, they have the longer vision of the needs of the club. I will not talk before they can act. They have to do it."
Eden Hazard, again warned by Hiddink last night that he has to raise his game, is among players who have already hinted they might move on.
And if Chelsea do not have Champions League football, the likes of Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Willian could also be on their way - with the club in a weaker position in the transfer market.