Hiddink backs Loftus-Cheek after Chelsea defeat

Guus Hiddink took some consolation from Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s performance following Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat against Manchester City.

Loftus-Cheek, 20, was in the starting line-up for the third consecutive match and interim boss Hiddink believes the midfielder is developing nicely.

“For Loftus-Cheek, it was his third game starting and he is gathering the experience to be grown up,” Hiddink said.

“It’s good to see younger players coming through. He’s developing himself rather okay.”

Champions League semi-finalists City were resounding winners at Stamford Bridge, where Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick.

The striker’s third goal came from the penalty spot after Blues keeper Thibaut Courtois was sent off for bringing down Fernandinho in the box.

Hiddink insisted the scoreline was harsh on his team and took issue with a suggestion that they had shown a lack of fighting spirit.

“I don’t fully agree with that,” said the Dutchman, who will make way for Antonio Conte this summer.

“If you play against intelligent players it is very difficult to get into duels and get into a fight.

“There was no lack of fighting spirit. When you have intelligent (opposing) players playing around you, it is difficult to have those duels.

“Of course it is a bad defeat. But we were playing against a very strong team. Not for nothing are Manchester City in the last four in Europe.

“We made some mistakes. We had control in the first half but were warned they could harm us on the counter-attack and that is what they did to score after our corner.

“The second half I think was similar. We were in control but we did not have the ultimate ‘bite’ to kill it off.

“Of course when you are 2-0 down against a team with a lot of experience it is very difficult, and then we got a red card.

“We are disappointed, but that (City) team is very experienced.”