The Blues have won both of their matches since the Dutchman took over from Luiz Felipe Scolari until the end of the season.

Wigan head to Stamford Bridge tomorrow, when Chelsea will be out to build on last week's victory at top-four rivals Aston Villa and the 1-0 Champions League defeat of Juventus.

"There is a difference in the players," said Chelsea full-back Cole.

"When a manager goes it is always hard and the players liked him (Scolari), but now it is a fresh start for a lot of players and I think there is a different kind of belief."

Midfielder Frank Lampard hopes Chelsea can build on recent performances to re-ignite their title bid.

"It is just a start for us. In league terms we are not where we should be," he said.

"Villa was a good result for us and again we had a good result (against Juventus).

"It was not the best performance over 90 minutes, but there were times when we played well."

Striker Didier Drogba netted the only goal of the game which gave Chelsea a slender advantage to defend in Italy for the second leg in two weeks' time.

The Ivory Coast striker believes he is getting back to his best form thanks to the faith shown in him by Hiddink after being marginalised under Scolari.

"You haven't lost your Drogba, he was just not playing," said the forward, having started the last two games in his preferred central striking role.

"Being judged when you are playing is much easier, and to the contrary, when you are not playing you can be criticised.

"At the moment I feel good when I am on the pitch and I make the most of those priceless moments.

"I am not at my best because I think I need more games, but I am giving what I can at the moment.

"The truth is that the coach relies on me, which is a massive psychological boost for a striker.

"Physically, I am not ready yet, but I need to play to get back in good form. There is no sense of revenge at all, that's my game and that's it.

"I have always been like that, I try to give my maximum and sometimes it is with success."

Drogba added: "You can see from the last two games that Hiddink is working a lot on the shape of the team, the organisation.

"You have to respect that because we know we will have chances to score goals."