Soccer-Hiddink will leave, no Mourinho return - Chelsea chairman

LONDON, April 13 (Reuters) - Guus Hiddink will definitely not be staying on as Chelsea manager next season and Jose Mourinho is not coming back, chairman Bruce Buck said on Monday.

"Guus Hiddink came here on a temporary basis two months ago and it is thanks to the Russian FA that he was able to come here; it is purely a temporary role," Buck was quoted as saying on the Premier League club's website.

"There has been a lot of speculation about him staying, especially as he has been doing a great job. That will not be the case."

Russia coach Hiddink was hired by Chelsea on a temporary basis in February after the sacking of Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari. The Dutchman is still committed to helping Russia qualify for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Since his arrival Chelsea have re-ignited their title challenge, reached the FA Cup semi-finals and can make the Champions League semis on Tuesday when they host Liverpool having won the first leg 3-1 at Anfield.

Speculation about who Chelsea would turn to next if Hiddink leaves have been rife, with former boss Mourinho a leading candidate despite being on the verge of taking Inter Milan to the Serie A title in his first season.

"My honest answer is that I don't think it is likely to happen," Buck said of the Portuguese who left the club in 2007 after winning the league title in 2005 and 2006.

"Jose was a great coach, he is a great guy but I think his time at Chelsea Football Club has passed."

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ed Osmond, to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)