Euro anger can help Chelsea in FA Cup final: Hiddink

Guus Hiddink expects Chelsea to use the pain of their Champions League defeat by Barcelona as motivation to win Saturday’s FA Cup final against Everton.

Hiddink and his players are still so frustrated by the controversial nature of their European exit that many vowed not to watch Wednesday’s final between Manchester United and Barcelona.

The Blues felt they were harshly treated by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, who turned down four strong penalty claims before Andreas Iniesta scored the decisive goal in stoppage time.

The agony lingers at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea have a chance to finish the season on a high note by winning their first trophy for two years.

Hiddink, who will be in charge for the final time before resuming his role as Russia coach on a full-time basis, is determined to mark his spell with a trophy and wants his players to use the Barca match as a spur to success.

“Of course you can play out of anger. It is always good to use that. The internal motivation is high in the team,” Hiddink said.

“Bit by bit, day by day I’m getting rid of the anger from the Barcelona match a little bit, but if you push the right button in my soul you will find a bit of anger.

“Chelsea did a great performance in the second leg and we know this injustice. You can cope better with the injustice if you lose for football reasons.”

Hiddink’s relationship with Blues owner Roman Abramovich was key to his decision to help out Chelsea on an interim basis and he admitted the Russian had consoled him after the Barca defeat.

“After the Barcelona game I was not in the best state of mind. Then I had a conversation with Roman and he said be proud, because we made a good impression on the world, especially in the second game,” Hiddink said.

“But we knew what the situation was. I had a full commitment in Russia. It is very obvious that we should continue over there.”

Although the FA Cup was low on Chelsea’s list of targets at the start of the season, Hiddink is adamant a Wembley victory this weekend is more than just a consolation prize.

“A final is never an anti-climax. You have to be in finals at a big club and we are very happy to be there,” Hiddink said.

“To play a final with worldwide attention and win some silverware is perfect.

“Analysing this season, they would have liked to fight until the end for the title and be in the Champions League final. But the Cup is not a second prize.”

Hiddink, who is boosted by the return to fitness of England midfielder Frank Lampard and Brazil defender Alex, could be replaced by AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian is reported to have agreed a three-year contract with Chelsea, although the deal is yet to be rubber-stamped.

Hiddink is confident he will be leaving a squad, who with an injection of youth, are capable of competing with Manchester United next season.

“I’ve enjoyed being here and working with the guys. They have responded well and they are still eager to get a lot of prizes,” Hiddink said.

“The board know they have to renew the squad a little bit. Some are at the age of 30 but they are still ambitious. They need some younger players alongside them.

“If you have a direct but demanding relationship they will respond. I expected to have to fight with big names to get them on the right track to perform but there was no such fight needed.”