Guus Hiddink has revealed that he told the Chelsea squad "to look in the mirror" during his first training session with the club on Tuesday.
The Dutchman has returned to Stamford Bridge for a second spell in charge and will take control of team affairs until at least the end of the season.
Chelsea's disastrous Premier League title defence this term led to the departure of Jose Mourinho and Hiddink has claimed that his appointment is an indication of just how difficult a campaign it has been for the English champions.
"I shouldn't be here halfway through the season because it means that things are not going as well as was foreseen at the beginning of the season," he told reporters.
"I am glad to be back - it is a few years ago that I was last here in a similar situation and I will try to help out as I was asked. I shouldn't be here but I am - that is the reality of the situation and I am glad to be here because I worked here last time with a lot of love for the club.
"To work with the players is always a pleasure. On Tuesday I talked fully to the squad. I told them things happen in football and I want them to look in the mirror, not just two seconds but longer, and see how they can contribute on the way up."
Hiddink's first game on the touchline will be against Watford on Boxing Day. Chelsea will enter that match 15th in the table, some 20 points behind the league leaders Leicester City.
Matt Law
