PSV's Hiddink Backs Kezman

By Brenz
April 8 2005

PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink has told Chelsea to keep faith in struggling striker Mateja Kezman. Hiddink sold Kezman to the Blues for £5m last summer but the 25-year-old has scored just eight goals this season.

Hiddink told BBC Sport: "I know Kezman. He is a 100% player. He is working every day to improve.

"Knowing his character he will be successful in the Premier League and at Chelsea because I know he is determined and he has the capacity to do so."

Kezman finally got off the mark in his 13th game for Chelsea when they played West Ham in the Carling Cup and he also scored in the final of the same competition when Chelsea beat Liverpool.

But his goals have been sporadic and he was taken off after 65 minutes against Southampton last Saturday after again failing to find the net.

Hiddink added: "The only thing is to give good confidence and he will make a lot of goals.

"He is so determined and it was very joyful to work with him."

Chelsea winger Arjen Robben also left PSV Eindhoven in July 2004 and, although he set Stamford Bridge alight with his attacking play, his season has been interrupted by injuries.

But Hiddink has backed his fellow Dutchman's resolve to overcome his injury troubles and get even better.

He said: "I got Robben as a youngster and he improved a lot from an upcoming young player who was a little bit innocent to an adult player within two years.

"He has proved that already. It is a little bit of a pity that he has been having some severe injuries recently but he will be okay because he, like Kezman, has a very good character.

"He can out-manoeuvre easily a player in a one-on-one and he can do that from the left, middle or right attacking positions and he is a personality who is not afraid to have a failure.

"He is very adventurous and he will grow even more than he is doing now."