Abramovich and technical director Michael Emenalo are currently going through the process of doing due diligence on their top targets for the permanent job, who include Antonio Conte, Diego Simeone, Jorge Sampaoli and Massimiliano Allegri.
Hiddink has already ruled out the possibility of staying on as manager past the end of this season on numerous occasions, but Mikel still hopes the 69-year-old’s mind might be changed.
“If you speak to the players, 98 or 99 per cent of them want Guus to stay so I mean, we are very happy, we are performing well and let’s hope this continues,” said Mikel, who played under Hiddink in 2009. “Obviously, definitely, I want him to stay. It is the choice of the owner, the club and the board. They will have to decide.
“It depends on the board and it depends on Guus if he wants to continue. He has said that he is here until the end of the season, but you never know, he might change his mind. If the club want to appoint him, fair enough. His record speaks for itself. Let’s hope he stays.”
Although Mikel never mentioned Mourinho by name, the midfielder suggested Hiddink’s approach is far easier to work under than that of the Portuguese.
“From day one, since Guus has come in, the atmosphere has changed,” said Mikel. “He has given responsibility to people and expects them to thrive on it and make sure they do it in a way where they feel comfortable. I think that is what the players are showing, now.
“When you come into the training ground, he doesn’t get into people’s business, he gets on with his own thing and players feel very comfortable and know exactly what to do so when he gets on the training pitch, he doesn’t need to speak.
“We all know what he wants and it is the same when we go into a game. We get on the pitch and know exactly what he wants. He doesn’t stand up that much to speak, but we know exactly what he wants.”
Asked whether or not Hiddink loses his temper with his players, Mikel replied: “No. No. When he gets upset he tries to clear the air straight away. He speaks to whoever is involved and lets you know what you have done is wrong. This football club is bigger than anyone and he puts the record straight, right away. He does not hold grudges. It is finished and we move on. You can see it with Diego (Costa). It takes a lot to get Diego in a good mood!”
- Telegraph