Guus Hiddink won't rule out staying on at Chelsea beyond this season.

He told the Sunday Mirror: "You never know. In principle I am supposed to return to the Russian Federation. But I'm not going to say too much about what will happen after this season.

"There are a couple of scenarios. I just go back or I do well, and we'll see."

His rapport with Abramovich is pivotal to Chelsea's success. But are they mates?

"Mates is a big word. You don't have many real mates in life. We have a very professional relationship, with a lot of respect for each other.

"I like him - he is a lover of football, who uses his money and his vision to improve the game, although I do think he is suffering a bit from the credit crunch.

"In the professional world he is my employer. He pays me for improving Russian football.

"He supports the Russian Federation financially because they have problems. In that way he makes sure I am looked after financially with my contract at the Russian Federation.

"I would not have started this job in London if Roman Abramovich had not been involved."