LONDON -- Guus Hiddink admits it is "realistic" to think of Chelsea as being in a relegation battle as Everton prepare to visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea twice surrendered leads to draw 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion at home on Wednesday, which left the reigning Premier League champions languishing 14th in the table, 12 points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and just six above the relegation zone with 21 games played.
With a trip to face league leaders Arsenal still to come in January, Hiddink is stressing the importance of continuing his unbeaten run since succeeding Jose Mourinho by claiming all three points against Everton.
Asked if Chelsea are in a relegation battle, Hiddink replied: "I think it's reality. When we started we were one point off [the relegation zone].
"Now we have a little more of a breather but we have two very difficult games coming up -- Everton, who have a very good away record, and then Arsenal. If you don't gather those points you don't know what the others do and it can surprise you.
"We all like to look forward to the top of the table, but also don't be unrealistic when you're six points off relegation. We have to work hard, be very concentrated and gather our points to step up. That's why it was a setback to get a draw against West Brom in the 86th minute."
The London Evening Standard reported on Friday that Chelsea have postponed their long-standing interest in Everton defender John Stones until the summer, and Hiddink accepts that the club's current standing in the Premier League -- combined with his status as an interim manager -- could put off potential signings.
"This is a very realistic view and Chelsea has to deal with that," the Dutchman said. "Also in the new setting there may be influence of new staff, new manager etc. Those are question marks for Chelsea. That's the reality of Chelsea nowadays."
Asked if Chelsea's transfer plans had been put on hold until the summer, Hiddink replied: "I think so."
Diego Costa's temperament continues to be a source of discussion after the Spain international clashed with several West Brom players during Wednesday's draw and lashed out at a plastic barrier as he headed down the Stamford Bridge tunnel, but Chelsea insist no damage was done and Hiddink is relaxed about the striker's mindset.
"I did a lot of things before I got into management -- I was a plumber and a builder, I did construction," Hiddink said. "I checked [the tunnel] out the day after and I couldn't see any damage. It was an expression of frustration, no big deal.
"He's playing on the edge but the opponents are also. They are a little bit provoking, little things you can see when the game is going on, little touches. It's mutual but nevertheless he should control it, and he didn't go out of order.
"I didn't think there was a reason to send him off on Wednesday. I talk about [self-control] with him, not every day but just for a few minutes. Opponents like to provoke a bit. That's normal in a men's game, but you have to deal with that and the referee has to deal with that."