Soccer-Hiddink takes Abramovich tribute into Cup final farewell
COBHAM, England, May 27 (Reuters) - Roman Abramovich has told Guus Hiddink to be proud of his achievements during a brief spell at Chelsea, despite the club's Champions League semi-final exit and failure to challenge for the Premier League title.
Chelsea's billionaire owner struck a deal with Russia in February to allow Hiddink to coach Chelsea to the end of the season after the London side had slumped under Luiz Felipe Scolari.
They were denied a place in the Champions League final after a last-gasp Barcelona goal and while they have Saturday's FA Cup final against Everton to look forward to they could only manage third in the Premier League.
"After the Barcelona game I was not in the best state of mind," Hiddink told reporters on Wednesday.
"He told me to be proud because I had made a good impression around the world with what we did against Barcelona. He said, 'Be proud of the team and what you have achieved in the last months here.'"
Hiddink said he did not consider the FA Cup an anti-climax because it was watched with eager interest around the world.
"Getting into the FA Cup final is an achievement," the Dutchman said. "It's a final with worldwide attention and to get some silverware would be perfect.
"The team did well from February on but they are professional enough that they would be very, very disappointed if they did not get some silverware."
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