Guus Hiddink has warned incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte that he faces a difficult task when officially taking over at Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Italian was confirmed as the Blues' next manager earlier this week, bringing an end to speculation over who would replace Hiddink on a long-term basis.
Hiddink, now coming to the end of his second stint in West London, believes that life will be made tougher for Conte compared to recent managerial appointments due to the lack of experienced characters left at the club.
"That's an extra complication," The Guardian quotes him as saying. "When I came here in 2009 there was also this transition but at that time the team was firm regarding the personalities.
"There were players who knew the culture of English football, but especially the culture of the club, like Frank Lampard, John Terry, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba [and Petr Cech].
"Now it's a bit different and it's not easy. But they're well aware and full of brightness and energy to get it restored."
Club legend Terry is expected to leave Chelsea at the end of the season after revealing that talks over a new contract have yet to begin.
