Hiddink sees bright Reds future

In 2008-09 - the season in which Hiddink spent a brief spell in charge of Chelsea - the Reds finished second in the Premier League, but they have subsequently only managed to come seventh, sixth and last term eighth.

They have made a mixed start to the current top-flight campaign which has yielded nine points from their opening eight fixtures, and Hiddink admits Liverpool are certainly a different prospect these days compared to the team his Blues side defeated over two legs in the Champions League quarter-finals.

However, as he prepares for another meeting with the Merseyside club, the Dutchman has spoken of his confidence that Liverpool will taste success again.

Reflecting on those past encounters, Hiddink - who is preparing his side to meet the Reds at Anfield for a Europa League clash on Thursday evening - said: "Of course, at that time they (Liverpool) had different players and were more leading in the Premier League.

"This season they have had a problematic start, but this is a huge institution - it will always recover.

"Liverpool will always resurrect and come up to the top where they belong."

Hiddink - who took Chelsea to an FA Cup triumph, the Champions League semi-finals and third place in the Premier League during his three-month stint with them - became Anzhi boss in early 2012 and the nouveaux riche club are currently leading both Europa League Group A and the Russian top-flight having lost only once in 21 games this term.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are third in the group and 12th in the Premier League, but Hiddink feels Brendan Rodgers' side are the favourites on Thursday.

"You have to realise that the Premier League is one of the leading leagues in the world of football," said Hiddink, who insists he was not approached by Liverpool about succeeding Rafael Benitez as their manager in 2010.

"Although Liverpool are not in the top three at this moment, they have some ex perienced players and they are going for this competition and looking to go further in Europe.

"They are favourites and not us. I think Liverpool are the favourites in this group."

Anzhi have former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o in their squad for Thursday's game, but their ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra is injured.