Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink wants to see more leaders

Chelsea's Dutch interim manager Guus Hiddink wants his players to take more responsibility on the pitch

Guus Hiddink says his Chelsea players must learn to take more responsibility on the pitch and improve their tactical leadership.

The struggling Barclays Premier League champions have turned to the Dutchman for a second time after naming him interim manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho last month.

Six years ago he helped steady Chelsea in the wake of Luiz Felipe Scolari's departure and, of that squad, only John Terry and John Obi Mikel remain.

Hiddink insists a manager has only limited influence from the bench and wants his players to take command when the whistle blows.

"This team is a bit different to 2009. I'm not going to say worse or better, but different," Hiddink said.

"It was a bit easier last time because we weren't down in the table and there were players with big international experience.

"Look at the spine of that team - Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel, Alex. The centre was strong. It was a different team with different personalities.

"What I'm asking now of players, is that they take the lead from central defence into midfield.

"They must demand that of each other, not just in their commitment because they're all committed - I've seen their intensity in training and in games - but also tactically because you can do a lot with two or three words to your companion in front of you.

"People think we have a lot of power on the bench, but that's not true. You can just prepare the team and make the substitutions.

"I want the players to be in charge. To compare, there were a few more guys who took that tactical lead the last time I was here. Now I'm asking these guys to take the lead."

Among the reasons cited for Chelsea's difficulties this season is the drop in form of Eden Hazard, the team's playmaker-in-chief who will start Sunday's clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Hiddink has not spoken at length with Hazard in an attempt to discover the source of his slump - but is confident he will soon begin firing once again.

Eden Hazard has struggled to find his best form this season

"First of all I think Eden is very versatile, he can play in various positions. On the wing he might give his best performances," Hiddink said.

"I haven't experienced him as a coach in the past, but now I've had him just a few days because he was injured. He came back with a strong character and wanted to play. He is back in shape."