Chelsea 5-1 Manchester City: Guus Hiddink says FA Cup win is a new boost for Blues confidence

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has claimed that the 5-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday (21 February) is a "boost for the confidence" of the players after they already secured the same result in their last Premier League game with Newcastle the previous weekend. The Blues couldn't extend their unbeaten run with the Dutch manager in the Champions League midweek trip to Paris Saint Germain but Hiddink is happy to see the evolution in his side since he took over Jose Mourinho earlier in December.

"If you win 5-1 last week, if you have an okay performance and result in Paris, and now today 5-1 against Man City then of course it's a boost for the confidence of the players. It's good to see that," the boss said after the game.

The Blues took advantage of Manuel Pellegrini's rotation in his line-up to secure a confortable victory. Hiddink, nevertheless, was disappointed with the goal conceded, as youngster David Faupala gave hope to his side before half time after equalising the game just minute after Diego Costa's opener.

"We knew we would play against a team with some changes but it's not always easy when youngsters are coming in," the boss added.

"They had a back four with experienced players, and youngsters in midfield and attack, but they caused a threat at the beginning and did well with the equaliser. You have to be very aware to not make stupid mistakes or get sloppy or complacent. We got sloppy with our organisation when they equalised but we had a very good reaction in the second half. It was key that we started well in the second half and got an early second or third goal."

"When the team does the job it has to do – tactical disciplined and organised defensively, and pressing high – then automatically the quality will show."

Hiddink, meanwhile, hailed the importance of the FA Cup, hoping his side to win the title as they did in his previous spell at the club when beat Everton in the 2009 final. "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," he said.

"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."

Meanwhile, asked about his first reaction to the draw with Everton themselves in the quarter finals, he said: "It was a long time ago. I have good memories but that's the past. They will remember that as well."

"Some might still be in the team so they'll go for revenge. We had a difficult game against them here. We hope to maintain our flow in the FA Cup when we play them there. It won't be easy."