Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink was left disappointed with the way Manchester City fielded a below-strength team for their FA Cup tie yesterday, with the Dutchman insisting that it is too beautiful a tournament to be devalued.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are due to face Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League on Wednesday before then taking on Liverpool in the final of the League Cup just four days later.
Keeping in mind the two important back to back fixtures, the Chilean boss left most of his big names out of the squad, and instead went with five teenagers as he selected defender Tosin Adarabioyo, midfielders Manu Garcia and Aleix, along with Bersant Celina and David Faupala, in a game they ultimately lost 5-1.
Faupala did impress with his 37th minute equaliser after the Blues had taken a lead through Diego Costa, but goals from Willian, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and Bertrand Traore saw the Citizens crash out of the domestic cup tournament.
Although Hiddink was happy with his side’s overpowering performance, the former Netherlands boss did not fail to condemn Manchester City’s attempt at belittling such a prestigious tournament.
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“On one hand the programme for many clubs is rather harsh, on the other hand you can play every three or four days, especially if your squad is broad quality-wise”, Hiddink was quoted as saying by Chelsea’s official website.
“We mustn’t forget the tradition of English football.
"I remember watching the FA Cup as a youngster on TV, it’s the temple of football. Winning the FA Cup is beautiful worldwide. We must be careful not to devalue it”, the 69-year-old Dutchman further added.
Chelsea will now take on Everton in the sixth round of the FA Cup as they hope to make it to semi-finals of the prestigious tournament.
