Guus Hiddink is hoping Manchester United buckle in
the title race
Guus Hiddink claimed Manchester United could buckle in
the race for the title after Didier Drogba's winner at Portsmouth
last night reduced the gap to just four points.
United travel to Newcastle on Wednesday and will then still have
a game in hand on Chelsea, but Hiddink believes that they are
piling the pressure on the reigning Premier League champions.
Drogba's goal 11 minutes from time at Fratton Park settled a
thrilling clash and protected Hiddink's 100 per cent record since
replacing Luiz Felip Scolari at Stamford Bridge.
Didier Drogba celebrates his crucial late winner
for Chelsea
Pompey confirmed Paul Hart has been named as the club's manager
until the end of the season, but Chelsea were the ones
celebrating.
Hiddink said: 'We have put United under more pressure, but they
still have a game in hand. 'They're an experienced team, of course,
but it's good for everyone in this championship to have the
pressure on the side at the top.
'What is good in this Chelsea team is that they react. They are
now not happy when things are not going well. 'They make this extra
effort to get things done. Then you see they get rewards.'
Although Hiddink is realistic enough to know Chelsea's chances
of catching United are slim, they have rediscovered their winning
mentality under the Dutchman. Drogba's goal was only his second in
the league this season, but it was a crucial strike in a game
Chelsea could easily have lost.
Hiddink added: 'In difficult circumstances, we are satisfied
with the win. 'It's difficult for me to talk about a change with
Drogba. He knows that he has not scored many goals so far this
season.
'A goal gets rid of the tension that a player might have. When a
player is playing in that position but not scoring, then it gets to
him. That was an emotional explosion.'
Hart, who has been appointed to lead Portsmouth away from danger
at the foot of the table, said: 'We could have easily won. We
probably deserved to. Despite the result, I'm pleased to have the
job.'
