Chelsea have announced that Russia coach Guus Hiddink will take over as temporary coach until the end of the season.

"Chelsea Football Club are delighted to confirm Guus Hiddink will become temporary coach until the end of the season," said a statement Wednesday on the Premier League club's website (www. chelseafc.com).

Chelsea have also revealed that the 62-year-old Dutchman will meet the players later this week.

"The club would like to take this opportunity to thank the Russian Football Union for their understanding and cooperation," it added.

Hiddink, who will continue to coach the Russian national side, replaces Brazilian World Cup winner Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was axed on Monday.

He is likely to be a spectator at Chelsea's FA Cup fifth round tie at Watford on Saturday, with the Premier League clash at Aston Villa on 21 February his first in charge.

"It's never enough time to prepare a team in one week but this is an exceptional situation. Chelsea have good players and they should be in top form and that should make my job easier," he said at a Russia training camp in Turkey.

Chelsea currently lie fourth in the league table, seven points adrift of leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand, with assistant Ray Wilkins coaching the team on an interim basis.

Hiddink revealed that he planned to contact his predecessor Scolari within the next two days to discuss team matters and would not bring any assistants with him to Stamford Bridge "at this time. "

He added he had not signed a contract with Chelsea nor intended to, saying that it is just "a favor for a friend".

The former Netherlands, South Korea and Australia coach has close relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who bankrolled his salary as Russia coach.

(Xinhua News Agency Feburary 12, 2009)