Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink admits his players have surprised him at how well they've responded since his arrival.

"I am surprised at how well we have done but I knew the team was reacting," said Hiddink.

"I didn't find a team that was just accepting the situation. We had some very open meetings and we challenged each other. I felt we could deliver another 10-15% more."

Having got the desired response, Hiddink is now searching for further improvement.

If he finds it, the Dutchman may be presiding over the most successful three months any manager has enjoyed.

"Even now, we can go beyond our limits and boundaries," he said.

"The best thing is we want to try. These guys will lose every now and then but in their heads they are winners."