Chelsea stars Michael Ballack and Petr Cech want interim manager Guus Hiddink to stay at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of the season.

The Dutchman continues to insist he will return to his role as Russia boss in May, despite an impressive start at Stamford Bridge.

Ballack said: "I would love for him to say he is staying for three years. Everyone feels he is a great manager."

Cech added: "He is a very good coach and we want him to stay."

Chelsea won their first six matches under Hiddink, the seventh being the 2-2 draw with Juventus that took them into the Champions League quarter-finals.

They have reached the FA Cup semi-finals and climbed to second in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Manchester United.

Didier Drogba, who has been revitalised since Hiddink replaced the sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari, has scored four goals in five games and the team's fighting spirit has returned.

Ballack added: "Even in a short time he has had a big influence on the team."

The Russian Football Union, who allowed Hiddink to take on the Chelsea role in addition to his job with them, have admitted the situation might change in the summer.

"We have an agreement with Guus Hiddink that he will combine the two posts only until the summer. Of course, everything can change," said Union President Vitaly Mutko.

"I don't think he would agree to join any club other than Chelsea, and that is not because of his special relationship with (owner) Roman Abramovich, but because Chelsea are the kind of global side that any coach would like to manage."

Cech added: "It is a difficult political situation and we will have to wait to see what happens."

BBC SPORT