Chelsea's players will decide if Guus Hiddink chooses to remain in charge next season.

In public, Hiddink has revealed that Chelsea want to retain his services beyond this season - possibly in a consultancy role.

In private, however, he has told some of his closest friends in the game he is warming to the Chelsea job - but will not decide his future until he sees how his players perform as the season reaches its climax.

Hiddink has had several heart-to-hearts with mates in the past few weeks as he becomes immersed in the Chelsea job.

And one source told the People: "Guus is starting to think he could stay next season, but it really is down to whether these players are up to it.

"Everything has gone well so far, but he has been warned there are some in the dressing room who will 'bottle' it or cause trouble when things go wrong.

"Guus wants to know if these guys are with him or against him.

"The way they react under pressure in the coming weeks will determine if he carries on and tries to do a deal to be the full-time manager.

"Hiddink will not hang around if he finds that this lot of players do not have the right stuff.

"He knows there is money to spend on new signings but he wants to see if the 'feel' of the squad is right."