Hiddink appointed but what does the future hold?

Having re-taken the helm in 2013 at Stamford Bridge after a 6-year absence which saw Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich chew through numerous different short-termed managers, the football club have appointed Guus Hiddink as their new manager having terminated Mourinho's contract ‘by mutual consent.’ The subject of intense speculation and betting, Jose Mourinho had safely guided the team into the next stage of the Champions League but had endured a torrid spell in the Premier League. As title holders from the previous 2014/15 season, most had expected Chelsea to be instant title contenders again, but they now find themselves languishing in the bottom half of the table having suffered defeat in 9 games this season. However with a recent 3-1 victory, this looks sure to change for the better.

While almost every football fan would have been familiar with the crisis at Stamford Bridge, many would have been watching the markets to place their bets on Mourinho going as early as October with a disappointing pre-season and start to the league coupled with an owner who has never been one for patience. But since his departure, the betting and spread betting markets have lit up with two main options; primarily whether Guus Hiddink will continue past the end of the season regardless of performances going forwards, but perhaps more importantly, if they choose not to make his position a permanent fixture, will Chelsea go head to head with Manchester City for the signature that most Premier League clubs are waiting to learn about – Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola, if you believe the speculation, is set to resign his post as Bayern Munich’s manager in the summer with the intention of leaving for the Premier League, and he has a lot of options to choose from. Manchester City has already declared their intent and several newspapers are quoting planned offers of anything from £15m per year upwards in an effort to lure him in. However Chelsea and Manchester United will almost certainly be in the frame and even Arsenal is attracting strong odds with Wenger reaching his twilight years. The important thing to remember if you are playing these markets is that 3 of these clubs still have managers so an accumulator on the manager to leave and Pep to replace is a no-brainer.

Whatever the case, the downfall and subsequent sacking of such a prolific manager is sure to keep the press busy over the Christmas period so be prepared for the rumour mills to start churning fast.