LONDON -- Guus Hiddink insists he will continue to show faith in Chelsea's youngsters, even if it costs the club the chance to maintain their unbeaten Premier League run until the end of the season.
Chelsea's starting XI for last weekend's 4-0 victory over Aston Villa featured four players aged 21 or younger -- Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Baba Rahman and debutant Matt Miazga -- while academy prospect Jake Clarke-Salter also made his first senior appearance from the substitutes' bench.
That win extended Chelsea's unbeaten Premier League run to 15 matches since the departure of Jose Mourinho in December, but Hiddink is adamant that giving the club's youngsters a chance will continue to take precedence over avoiding defeat.
Well done to @AlexandrePato, @MattMiazga3 and Jake Clarke-Salter on making their debuts today! pic.twitter.com/4lleGgZNtp
- Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 2, 2016
"It's not a record I'm personally chasing, but it's not an excuse for a loss," Hiddink said. "If I can bring in young players with a little bit more risk of a defeat, then I prefer that.
"I think it would be a better alternative to get the youngsters some experience in the Premier League. You can do that and never guarantee you will win, but if you bring in youngsters within a very experienced team then it's easier.
"I prefer that than having an unbeaten record."
Hiddink will leave Stamford Bridge for the second time when Antonio Conte takes over as first team head coach this summer, and the 69-year-old does not think he will take another full-time job -- although he says he would like to continue working with young players.
"I'm not the youngest, though I would love to be with a lot of energy every day on the pitch and dealing with the young guys knocking on the door, from 17 to 21," Hiddink added.
"It's always interesting to see where those guys can go and every now and then with personal contact I will try to help them out with what is best to do in their career. I will not do anything on a daily basis.
"I said that [I would retire] a few years ago, but when I will say it categorically I don't know. I'm not the youngest anymore, but hopefully [I can carry on] until I get the signals from the players and the staff of 'Hey old man, it's time to get off the pitch.' I don't feel that at the moment."