The fine start to his temporary stint at Stamford Bridge, encompassing a sequence of victories only ended by the midweek Champions League draw with Juventus - a result good enough to see them into the next round - has led to an increasing clamour for the Blues to extend their partnership with the Dutchman to next term and beyond.

Senior stars Petr Cech and Michael Ballack have this week joined that chorus, insisting they would welcome a permanent deal.

But Hiddink himself has frequently stressed the importance of his role with Russia, a job he intends to continue in a full-time capacity at the end of his Chelsea contract.

Jokingly referring to the comments of his goalkeeper and midfield playmaker, Hiddink said: "They might change their minds about me when I put them on the bench or not even in the squad.

"But there is a good atmosphere of work here and we are very demanding of each other. If they are happy with the way we are working and it's going well with results it's all okay.

"I have been very happy not just with the regular starters but with all the other players, who I've been watching and observing. Everyone is committed.

"But I made it very clear a few weeks ago - and again recently - what the future will be (for me) after May 30th. I don't have to do that again."

Hiddink's side take on Manchester City on Sunday, while Liverpool attempt to keep their own title bid afloat against pace-setters Manchester United tomorrow.

By the time the Blues kick off, the trophy race may be down to just two - with defeat for Rafael Benitez's side signalling the end of their realistic interest in the title.

Hiddink, meanwhile, believes it will be a hard task for City to join the quest for the Premier League title next season, despite their vast reserves of cash and their stated intention to spend them liberally.

Despite the emergence of Aston Villa as challengers for a Champions League berth this year, few teams have consistently challenged the perennial 'big four' of United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

City's owners have designs on doing just that, but Hiddink insists that such a feat may require more than hard cash.

"It can happen, nothing is impossible in this country, especially when you have (financial) power. But there are also the clubs with history, who have played as champions and fought for championships," Hiddink said.

"They have the advantage of their history and the experience of being on top of everyone, if not every year then for a lot of them. This experience is very valuable for the big clubs.

"It's not easy to come between those teams if they are well managed.

"If they continue as they have for the last few years it will be difficult to come in, but it's always good to have more competition for the title."

He added: "It's not always a matter of money to make a team. You have to be very careful about positions and the balance of your squad. It is not simply because of money that you have success as a team."