Hiddink takes charge of Chelsea for the last time against Everton tomorrow knowing a familiar face has the ability to send him back to Russia on a low note.
The Dutchman, who resumes his role as Russia coach on a full-time basis after the Cup Final, worked with Everton midfielder Cahill during his spell as Australia coach.
Cahill thrived under Hiddink's management and the duo helped the Socceroos reach the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup.
Hiddink's impact on Cahill was so strong that the 29-year-old described him as a "genius".
Mention of Cahill's name drew an equally warm response from Hiddink at his club's pre-Wembley press conference this week, but the Chelsea chief knows his former player will be desperate to get one over on him at Wembley.
"I'm always a little scared when words like genius are used. I'm human and have my errors," Hiddink said.
"But of course I know Tim from my Aussie period. It was beautiful to have him in my own squad but having him as an opponent is not nice.
"He is very determined and very decisive. Everton are very organised and he is the kind of player who can make a big impact on top of that discipline.
"He is a wonderful talent, very sharp, full of impact and dangerous around the box."
If Hiddink can find a way to subdue Cahill, Chelsea's chances of sending him off in style will be greatly increased, but regardless of the result tomorrow his brief reign has left him keen to sample life in the Premier League again.
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is the favourite to succeed Hiddink, but, given owner Roman Abramovich's habit of replacing managers on a whim, it would be no surprise if Chelsea are looking for another boss sooner rather than later.
Hiddink made no attempt to hide his love of the English game and he would clearly consider a return to Chelsea once his Russian commitments are over after the 2010 World Cup. -- AFP
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