Guus Hiddink insists Chelsea always play within rules of man’s game

Guus Hiddink has laughed off claims that Chelsea adopted rough tactics in Barcelona — and vowed his side would maintain the same approach in next week's Champions League semi-final, second leg.

Several Barca players were angry with Chelsea's defensive strategy and physical style during the 0-0 draw last week.

But Hiddink played down the idea that his team had been excessively confrontational.

The Dutchman said: "It is a man's game.

Everything we did was in the rules, but when you analyse the game and look at the supposed clashes, there were very few.

"We don't give in that easily, but we play within the rules all the time. People like to create an atmosphere, but I like to look at the facts.

"We didn't play anti-football'. The team has proved all season that we can play football — and we do."

Meanwhile, Frank Arnesen has secured his future at Chelsea by agreeing a new 12-month rolling contract and being made a director of the club.

The chief scout and director of youth development's existing four-year deal was due to expire in the summer, but this new deal effectively makes him a permanent member of staff.

Chelsea have also invited the Dane and performance director Mike Forde to join the football club board, a six-strong body responsible for devising and implementing their footballing strategy.