Chelsea

John Obi Mikel: '99% of Chelsea players want Guus Hiddink to stay on as manager'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 23 February 2016

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel says that "99%" of the team want Guus Hiddink to stay on as permanent manager at the end of the season.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has claimed that "99%" of the squad want Guus Hiddink to stay on as manager beyond the summer.

The Dutchman was installed as interim boss shortly after the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December, but the 69-year-old has reiterated that he will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Under Hiddink's guidance, the Blues have suffered just one defeat in 13 matches in all competitions, and Mikel believes that the club should offer him a permanent deal.

"Obviously, definitely I want him to stay," Mikel told reporters. "It is the choice of the owner, the club and the board, but if you speak to the players, 98 or 99% of them want him to stay.

"It depends on the board and it depends on Guus if he wants to continue. He has said that he is here until the end of the season but you never know, he might change his mind."

Numerous managers, including Massimiliano Allegri, Manuel Pellegrini and Diego Simeone, have been touted as candidates for the permanent role.

Fresh reports in Italy have claimed that their national team boss Antonio Conte has agreed in principle to take charge in the summer.