The Dutchman, who is in charge at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season, has guided the club to four league wins on the spin to put them within four points of Manchester United.

United's rivals have been encouraged by Liverpool's win at Old Trafford at the weekend, although Sir Alex Ferguson's men remain in the driving seat with a game in hand.

Hiddink told Russian newspaper Sovetski Sport: "That is the task we are facing but, objectively speaking, it will be extremely difficult to achieve.

"Don't forget that Manchester have a game in hand and, moreover, they have a lot of experience of winning the league. All I can promise is that Chelsea will fight to the bitter end.

"You perfectly know my way - work, work and more work. That has been the principle since my first day in London. So far, so good.

"We started in fourth place in the Premier League, now we are second."

Hiddink feels his side will also look to go one better than last season when they lost the Champions League final on penalties.

"We are in the best eight clubs in Europe and each of them harbours ambitious plans. Chelsea are no exception," he said.

Hiddink, who is also Russia coach, wants to see Roman Pavlyuchenko returning to goalscoring form for Tottenham, although Chelsea make the short trip to White Hart Lane on Saturday when they will be looking for points to maintain their title challenge.

Pavlyuchenko was dropped to the reserves this week and Hiddink added: "I know that he didn't play against Aston Villa but I hope that he will play in the next game."

Meanwhile, Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa has revealed the confidence Hiddink has brought since his appointment to replace Luiz Felipe Scolari on a temporary basis.

Bosingwa pointed towards a change in tactics and getting the best out of Didier Drogba as reasons for the revival.

"After recent results the spirit in the squad has risen and we are playing much better," he said on skysports.com.

"The mentality of the squad has changed and that is partially due to the arrival of Hiddink.

"We now use a different system and have improved as an attacking force.

"The return of Drogba to top form is also crucial for us. I think he is very happy at the moment and that is positive for us. He is one of the best strikers in Europe and his quality is unquestionable.

"Although it was sad, what happened under Scolari, that is all in the past now.

"Our only interest now is to play well for Hiddink and to do our best in all competitions.

"A club like Chelsea is built to compete at the latter stages of competitions like the Champions League."

Hiddink has been helped by Michael Essien returning to full fitness after a lay-off with a knee injury.

England midfielder Joe Cole, who is out injured himself, feels Essien being fit for the entire season would have impacted on the title race.

He told the Evening Standard: "Essien would have made a difference. What we've missed is that little bit of pace in the midfield this year. Any team would miss him because he's our engine room."