Chelsea News: Ballack backs star, manager agrees Blues deal, Hiddink slams finishing

Posted Wednesday, February 17, 2016 by Dailystar.co.uk

Michael Ballack believes Cesc Fabregas has been in impressive form for Chelsea all season despite criticism of the Spain international.

He told BT Sport: "I must say Fabregas I've seen a few games from him and I'm always impressed by him all season.

"He's a serious player, he knows what he is doing on the pitch and even if he isn't very active on television like today he makes 80-90 per cent of the right decisions in terms of passing, in terms of running and closing space."

Fabregas was unable to help his side avoid a Champions League last 16 first leg defeat to Paris St-Germain last night as an Edinson Cavani winner secured a 2-1 win for the French side.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has agreed a deal to become the next Chelsea boss, according to reports.

Spanish outlet OK Diario report the Argentine has told the La Liga side that he is leaving to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Simeone has reportedly agreed a £9.28milllion-a-year deal and will become Jose Mourinho's permanent replacement.

The eccentric manager has been in charge at Atletico since 2011.

Guus Hiddink bemoaned Chelsea's lack of quality in front of goal after their Champions League loss to PSG.

"We were not killing them in the counters but we are still in the race. We were not lethal enough at times but otherwise we can be relatively happy.

"We had one or two chances to hurt them and they got a little bit unstable. A defeat is never a good or a nice feeling, but it is a two-leg game and scoring away is always good.

"It hurt a bit because the team was playing decently against a team with capacity to play. The result is negative but on the other hand an away goal is important.

"Over two legs, it is important you have the away goal. If we can do it at Stamford Bridge then a defeat doesn't count so much."