Mikel Obi: 98 or 99 of the Players want Guus Hiddink to stay on a permanent basis

Mikel Obi, Chelsea and Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder hopes owner Roman Abramovich would stop looking elsewhere for a permanent manager and appoints Hiddink – who has led the club to the FA Cup quarter-finals - on a permanent basis.

Mikel, 28, also admits that the atmosphere at Chelsea is far better since Jose Mourinho left the club.

The Nigerian, whose team defeated Manchester City 5-1 in the fifth round, said: “I want him to stay. Definitely. It is the choice of the owner, the club and the board. They will have to decide.

“But if you speak to the players, 98 or 99 per cent of them want him to stay so I mean, we are very happy, we are performing well and let’s hope this continues.

“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. If the club want to appoint him fair enough. His record speaks for itself. Let’s hope he stays.

“From day one, since Guus has come in, the atmosphere has changed.

The players feel more relaxed, people know what their jobs are and people are getting on with their jobs in a more relaxed way. And a way they can perform very well.

“He has given responsibility to people and expects them to thrive on it and make sure they do it in way where they feel comfortable. I think that is what the players are showing, now.

“When you come into the training ground, the players are more relaxed, he doesn’t get into people’s business, he gets on with his own thing and players feel very comfortable and know exactly what to do so when he gets on the training pitch, he doesn’t need to speak.

“We all know what he wants and it is the same when we go into a game. We get on the pitch and know exactly what he wants. He doesn’t stand up that much to speak but we know exactly what he wants.”

Mourinho was known for his temper – but Mikel insists Hiddink is keen to avoid major confrontations.

Mikel said: “When he gets upset he tries to clear the air straight away. He speaks to whoever is involved and lets you know what you have done is wrong.

“This football club is bigger than anyone and he puts the record straight, right away. He does not hold grudges. It is finished – and we move on.”

Diego Costa’s form has improved dramatically under Hiddink – with Mikel claiming that his team-mate is playing with a smile.

Laughing, Mikel said: “You can see Diego now. It takes a lot to get Diego in a good mood!”
Equally, Cesc Fabregas is once again delivering the form which helped Chelsea to the title.
Mikel added: “It is fantastic to see Cesc playing well again. What an intelligent player. He is not the quickest being, I wouldn’t say slow, but the way he plays, his intelligence is amazing.

“In training you think you will get the ball off him but because you are there, he knows what to do. As long as we can help him, to do the dirty work and get him on the ball, we have good chances. He is happy again, as well.”