Football: Chelsea sign Dutch football coach Guus Hiddink

Hiddink is appointed coach of London-based club until end of season

Football: Chelsea sign Dutch football coach Guus Hiddink

Dutch football manager Guus Hiddink was appointed as interim manager of English Premier League champions Chelsea Football Club on Saturday, the club’s official website announced.

According the website, the former Netherlands boss will be Chelsea's coach until the end of the season following the sacking of Jose Mourinho on Thursday.

The London-based club sacked their Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho after the team’s disastrous start to the season on Thursday.

Despite being crowned champions seven months ago, Chelsea have lost nine matches out of first 16 games of the season.

"I am excited to return Stamford Bridge," Hiddink said. "Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world but is not where it should be at the moment."

The former Royal Dutch Football Association national manager also worked with Chelsea in 2009.

Chelsea are positioned 16th in the Premier League with only 15 points after 16 matches. Media reports say that this marks their worst start to a season since 1978.