Interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has claimed that the Premier League is more competitive now than when he was last in charge of the club in 2009.
Hiddink took over from Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge for his second spell in interim charge and remains unbeaten since his December arrival.
However, four of his five league matches at the helm have ended in draws, keeping Chelsea just four points clear of the relegation zone, and he believes that the gap between the top teams and the chasing pack has significantly decreased.
"Generally, I think the intensity in the league is higher and nowadays you see there are many clubs who can compete on a high level, due to the fact they also have more possibilities to sign players," Hiddink told the club's website.
"Nowadays, you see teams halfway or over halfway up the league, which in the past you would normally not expect to be there, like Crystal Palace, Watford and Leicester.
"These were teams normally nearer the bottom or the second tier, but they are doing very well. Because they have made good signings, everyone now is capable of beating everyone else and you can see that in the results."
Hiddink's next match in charge of Chelsea sees them take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Barney Corkhill
