Monday's clash between Manchester United and Chelsea will feature two sides in desperate need of a victory, and even if some think there should be animosity shown by either side, the Blues' Dutch boss had a few supportive words for one of his former pupils now playing with the Red Devils.
Hiddink referred to Memphis Depay's sloppy debut season with the team, stating that the player only needs time to show what he's really about.
"He has this talent but he's also now having a confrontation with the demands of the Premier League, which are much higher in intensity of the game during 90 minutes. That's a period all players, not just him, have to overcome, and I think they need time for that," Hiddink stated.
The Dutch wingman has faced harsh criticism for his behaviour on and off the pitch, after Louis Van Gaal fought hard to sign him away from PSV Eindhoven. On Boxing Day, Depay's sloppy moves on defene opened the gates for Stoke City's first goal and to his eventual substitution at halftime.
Fans mocked his heading skills by comparing him to Robin Van Persie's.
Big boys play for Fenerbahce, Depay. #OohRobinvanPersie https://t.co/EJGYwRhI8n
— Fener Int (@fenerint) December 26, 2015
Hiddink also stated the player needs to find a role model with Man United, considering he's only 21 and still needs to learn a few things.
"He has this talent, but he's also giving interviews saying, 'Hey, I have to get used to another way of playing, the intensity of the games every three days, plus the intensity of the game.' Those guys, they need a bit the cover of experienced players," Hiddink added.
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