Sunday 3 January 2016 17:42, UK
Guus Hiddink believes Chelsea's victory over Crystal Palace on Super Sunday is a big step forward for his side.
The Blues secured a comfortable 3-0 win at Selhurst Park thanks to goals from Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa, and the result moves the club up to 14th in the Premier League table.
The victory is the Blues' first away from home in the league since late August and their first under Hiddink in his second spell in charge, and the Chelsea manager says it was "desperately needed" after back-to-back draws against Watford and Manchester United.
"It was a very important step today, because we were playing after two draws and you could see the team desperately needed a win," Hiddink told Sky Sports.
"We have played well, but have been a bit unlucky conceding goals, but we needed this win. It's a good step forward, it's the way Chelsea should be, and the way of playing today was very acceptable.
"You get confidence by playing, and these are quality players. [But] quality is not enough, they must know that you must sacrifice and be well organised defensively. I don't mean dropping back, but defending well in your own area. From there, you can use your quality.
Cesc Fabregas and Costa returned to the starting line-up after both missed the draw at Old Trafford, and Hiddink was pleased with their displays.
"These players [Costa and Fabregas], they know what responsibility is," Hiddink said. "It's normal and not that long [since], but after a beautiful championship, you have a tendency to be a bit complacent.
"We come from almost the bottom and it's very hard to achieve what we want to achieve, but giving what we did today, it gives a lot of confidence."
Costa set up the opener for Oscar and scored Chelsea's third, but was also the victim of several firm challenges from Palace duo Scott Dann and Damien Delaney, the former receiving a yellow card for a kick on Costa in the second half.
The Chelsea striker did not react, and Hiddink admitted he has spoken to the Spain international about channeling his energy into good performances.
"He has to focus himself on what he is good at," the Dutchman continued. "When he is focusing himself, the rest is not important.
"He must not waste energy on wrong actions that loses his quality. We have small talks, not big conversations, about where we want him to be."
