Guus Hiddink faces a battle to get Chelsea's fans back on side after being confirmed as the club's interim manager.

The veteran Dutchman, who had a previous spell in charge at Stamford Bridge in 2009, succeeds Jose Mourinho after he was sacked on Thursday following the club's poor start to the season.

But while Hiddink was in the stands alongside owner Roman Abramovich it was still Mourinho's name being sung by the crowd as Chelsea beat lowly Sunderland 3-1.

And in a clear indication of where the supporters think the blame for the club's struggles and Mourinho's departure lies, they directed their anger at Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa.

One fan held a banner claimed 'The Three Rats' - Fabregas, Costa and Eden Hazard got their most successful manager sacked, while another read 'you let Jose down'.

Skipper John Terry had claimed player power had not played a part in Thursday's decision, but Fabregas' and Costa's names were booed when they were read out prior to kick-off - Hazard only escaped the ire as he was absent through injury.

Both players also received hostile reactions when they were substituted during the second half.

Mourinho's assistant Steve Holland took charge for the clash, which the Blues won thanks to goals from Branislav Ivanovic, Pedro and an Oscar penalty before Fabio Borini pulled one back.

Holland said: "Clearly the supporters have a right to voice their opinion. It was difficult, it is difficult for everybody. But it's been a difficult few days.

"I'll be happy to park this game and go forward. I think if the players play and compete like they did today then I don't see any reason why the supporters won't be happy with that."

Hiddink spoke to the players in the dressing room after the match and is confident he can arrest the club's alarming slide, which saw last season's champions lose nine of their first 16 matches.

"I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge," he told the club website.

"Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around."

Terry used his programme notes to deny that the players had any influence over Mourinho's sacking.

The defender wrote: "We are aware there have been rumours of player power at the club but I want to make it clear that is not the case.

"We leave all decisions to Mr Abramovich and the board, and know that our job, as players, is to focus on getting results on the pitch.

"We players have to look at our performances and take responsibility for where Chelsea sit in the table right now. The manager going doesn't change that we are responsible, and to be 16th in the table is not acceptable from us."

Hiddink and Abramovich were joined in the stand by former Blues favourite Didier Drogba, although the club played down reports of an imminent return to the club for the striker in a coaching capacity.