Costa, Fabregas are operating on a higher level now, says Hoddle

FORMER Chelsea player and manager Glenn Hoddle believes Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have been performing at a higher level following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

Guus Hiddink was installed as interim manager until the end of the season following the Portuguese boss’ December exit and has helped the Stamford Bridge club establish a seven-match unbeaten run.

Hoddle acknowledged the immediate impact the experienced Dutch manager has had on the two Chelsea attackers but feels there is still more to come from the duo.

“The real test is coming for Chelsea and Guus Hiddink. You could argue there have been some improvements since he took over from Jose Mourinho,” Hoddle wrote in the Daily Mail.

“Diego Costa is certainly working harder and getting into dangerous areas, which he didn’t appear to be doing under the previous manager.

“Cesc Fabregas is delivering the ball forward quicker and playing more positively. But it’s not exactly been a huge revival.

“To a certain extent it is only what you would expect when a new man comes in. Pretty quickly players settle into the routine of the new manager and that’s where Chelsea are now.

• Culled from Soccerway.com