Guus Hiddink in warning to Andre Villas-Boas

Posted Saturday, July 30, 2011 by The Sun

GUUS HIDDINK has warned Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas not to lose the respect of John Terry and Frank Lampard.

The former Blues chief admits Villas-Boas' relationship with the club's two key senior players is of paramount importance.

And Hiddink, in charge at Stamford Bridge two years ago, revealed Lamps and JT play the role of enforcers when it comes to discipline in the squad.

Hiddink, now Turkey manager, was George Best's room-mate as a player in America when he was the same age as Villas-Boas.

Asked whether Chelsea's ex-Porto boss will be able to enjoy a good relationship with his players at 33, Hiddink said: "It depends on the quality of the manager and also his human qualities.

"Age does not have to mean the players consider him as a brother. If they feel he is straightforward and has good integrity he will be fine.

"He has to win respect. But it does not always have to do with age. On top of that, English professional players like Terry and Lampard know what is demanded in England. They take the lead.

"At big clubs, some leading players - like JT and Lampard - have a kind of respect for the club as well.

"They know the standards and what is required at Chelsea.

"The Chelsea squad have been together a long time, with new additions coming in. They have their own pride as a group and Villas-Boas can manage them.

"It is a very young age to be at Chelsea but he has proved at Porto that he is good. The Premier League is different but young people must be given a chance.

"I started young - but not that young. I was responsible for PSV Eindhoven when I was 41. When I was 33, I was an over-the-hill player. I was playing with George Best at San Jose. He was my room-mate.

"When you are playing at that age, you think you are still managing but young players are running around you, kicking and elbowing you.

"That is the sign to say stop playing, you are getting old." Skipper Terry, 30, insists he wants to be Chelsea's next manager after Villas-Boas.

But Hiddink, 64, who won the FA Cup as Blues caretaker, warned: "Sometimes people underestimate managing a group of players.

"They are part of the group and then being the leader is different. If they are wise they get an experienced manager on board while doing their courses.

"If they can cope with that change in a different world where they are no longer the star player, they can make that transformation. But he has to be intelligent."