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Hiddink to retire after 2010
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Guus Hiddink Photo AFP
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Russia and Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink has said he plans
to retire from football after the 2010 FIFA World CupT.
The 62-year-old Dutchman will manage Premier League Chelsea until the
end of the season after taking over last week from the sacked Luiz Felipe
Scolari. "I think I will quit in the summer of 2010 after the World
Cup," Hiddink told the Sunday Mirror. "I'll take care, privately,
of my own project for the poor in Tanzania," he added.
Hiddink, who watched his new side's 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round victory at
Watford on Saturday, said that UEFA Champions League qualification was
his main priority. "Chelsea want to qualify for the Champions League.
That is the mission I have been given by (owner) Roman Abramovich - it's
as simple as that. It is a massive challenge, but I think I can handle
the task when I look at the quality of the squad."
Abramovich also pays Hiddink's wages as Russia coach and, if the former
South Korea and Australia manager's tenure is successful, the Russian
billionaire could look to extend the dual management deal. "You never
know. In principle I am supposed to return to the Russian Federation (at
the end of this season)," Hiddink said. "There are a couple
of scenarios. I just go back or I do well and we'll see."
Chelsea trail Premier League leaders Manchester United by seven points,
which could be extended to ten if United win their game in hand against
Fulham on Wednesday.
Hiddink, who will be based in London for the rest of the season, takes
Chelsea to Aston Villa three days later in his first match in charge.
"I will have to be here for about four months. I need to be close
to the club - it is a day-to-day job. It will be a big job and certainly
not an easy one."
FIFA.com,
16 February 2009
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