New Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink believes Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba can play in the same team – if they show defensive as well as attacking qualities.

Anelka marked Hiddink’s first game in charge by scoring the winner against Aston Villa – his 21st goal of the season. Victory pushed the Blues ahead of Villa into third spot in the Barclays Premier League.

Previous Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari had been reluctant to play Drogba and Anelka in the same team. However, Hiddink said: “You can only play good attacking football when everyone knows their job defensively.

“We have quality players like Anelka and Drogba and, when they have the spirit to work defensively for the team, then you can also the play the way we like tolay.

“They are the first defensive line and must join in with the midfield in having defensive responsibilities.

“If they are willing to do that there is no problem with using their strong qualities offensively.”

Hiddink also insisted he had seen no divisions amongst the players in the build-up to the game.

He said: “We have worked very hard physically and also strategically. Everyone has been very professional. I have not seen any division in the group.”

As regards Chelsea’s 1-0 victory, Hiddink said: “I am satisfied with the performance and the result, especially against a team like Villa who have had a very good record recently. They have not been beaten in the league for a long time.

“In the first half we were very dominant and the only criticism is that we did not finish the game off.

“In the second half they came at us with their big strong guys in the air but we were also a bit too static when we had the ball in possession.

“We can improve a little bit but I am very pleased and satisfied to get that game in our pocket.”

Villa boss Martin O’Neill felt a third game in six days after cup ties with Everton and CSKA Moscow had taken its toll on his side.

He said: “It sounds like an excuse but I do believe the three games in quick succession took their toll. At the beginning, we looked leggy and Chelsea got into their stride very quickly.

“We got a bit of momentum before half-time and had a lot of possession in the second half without creating too many chances.

“I am disappointed with the setback but we are far from finished. I suppose it is a sign of how far we have come that we are disappointed at being fourth in the table.

“We have some quality players. You get disappointments but we will bounce back and there is not a dent in our belief.

“I thought we could win today. I still thought that at half-time. In terms of effort and determination they have given everything.

“The top four teams have the squads to cope with hectic schedules and it is something we will have to learn as well. But we are still in there fighting.”

Meanwhile match-winner Anelka hopes Chelsea’s win can kick-start a winning run under Hiddink.

He told Sky Sports 1: “We showed it last week and again, today, we showed a lot of character because it was a hard game.

“It is good for all the players and for the new coach as well because we can continue this winning way and we hope we can win more games.

“It is going to be difficult but we think it is possible. We hope we are back in the race.”

Source: www.football365.com