|
Hiddink: I'll Return To Russia; Abramovich Loves Chelsea
It's still unclear exactly what Guus Hiddink's
relationship with Chelsea will be after the end of May...
| |
|
|
UEFA Cup: Guus Hiddink - Roman Abramovich,
Aston Villa v CSKA Moscow (PA)
|
There are somewhat conflicting reports about the future
of Chelsea's temporary manager Guus Hiddink as the Dutchman reportedly
reiterated his intention to return to coaching the Russian national team
at the end of this season, while the Russian FA are said to have sanctioned
an extension to Hiddink's stay at Chelsea.
The Premier League club's hopes of keeping Hiddink at Stamford Bridge
next season appeared to receive a boost when the Russian FA said they
were 'comfortable' about continuing his existing job-sharing arrangement.
English broadsheet The Telegraph quoted Alexey Sorokin, the general secretary
of the Russian FA, as saying that he believes Hiddink is capable of managing
both Chelsea and the Russian national side, even if the latter reach the
2010 World Cup finals.
'We are ready to discuss it [with Cheslea],' Sorokin is reported to have
said. 'We are comfortable with the situation.'
It has also been suggested that Hiddink could stay on at Chelsea as director
of football.
Earlier, though, at a press conference in Moscow, Hiddink reaffirmed to
journalists his decision to carry on coaching the Russian national team.
'I have not considered staying,' he stated. 'I said straight away, clearly,
that in June I will return to my duties with Russia. What I said then
remains the same today.
'There is no chance I will stay. Everyone knows the situation.'
However, Hiddink was also reported by The Sun as saying that he had been
offered a consultancy role at Chelsea, which he hadn't ruled out.
He is currently back in Russia doing his other job of coaching their national
team.
And he has stresed how committed to the long-term future of Chelsea the
club's Russian owner, Roman Abramovich, is.
He said of the billionaire tycoon, 'He's very involved in the running
of the team - he quite often comes to our base at Cobham to watch training
sessions.
'He likes to spend time with the players. He's a quiet man, not inclined
to raising his voice or kicking up a fuss.
'He doesn't berate players when they lose - he only offers support.
'I deeply admire his approach and the players feel comfortable in his
presence.'
Graham Lister, Goal.com,
28 Mar 2009
|
|
