Chelsea new manager: Guus Hiddink confirmed as interim manager... by Australian FA

Former employers jump the gun following the departure of Jose Mourinho

Guus Hiddink (GETTY IMAGES)

Guus Hiddink has been confirmed as Chelsea's interim manager... by the Australian FA.

The Dutchman was quickly installed as the favourite to take over on a short-term basis following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. However, the club are yet to officially confirm that Hiddink has been appointed.

Yet that didn't stop his former employers from announcing the news both on their website and their official Twitter feed.

On its website, Football Federation Australia stated: "Guus Hiddink has taken temporary charge at struggling EPL giant Chelsea after the club announced they'd sacked coach Jose Mourinho overnight following the club's disastrous run in the English Premier League."

The official Socceroos Twitter feed announced: "Our former boss has taken charge at ChelseaFC - Good luck Guus!"

Well-travelled Hiddink managed Australia at the 2006 World Cup, helping the team reach the second round.

Should the 69-year-old return to Stamford Bridge it would be his second stint in charge having been drafted in following the sacking of Felipe Luis Scolari in 2009. During that spell he managed to guide the club to FA Cup glory.

Former Blues striker Mateja Kezman claimed Hiddink told him on Thursday that he had been given the Chelsea job.

Kezman, quoted on the website of Croatian newspaper Index, said: "I do not know if it is officially confirmed, whether the club has announced it, but Guus told me earlier.

"I am convinced that with him Chelsea will recover. I would even say they are one of the favourites for the Champions League."

Kezman, who briefly played under Mourinho during the Portuguese's first spell in charge of Chelsea, said: "I am not surprised by (owner Roman) Abramovich's decision to (get rid of) Mourinho.

"Jose is a superb coach but the results and position in the league are catastrophic and unbecoming the reputation of a club like Chelsea.

"It is incredible that this team were champions last season and are now fighting for dear life in the Premier League.

"I think this decision is correct and Guus Hiddink is a great choice."