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Guus Hiddink warns Roman Pavlyuchenko
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Roman Pavlyuchenko sits on the bench again.
Photo GettyImages
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Russia coach Guus Hiddink has once again voiced his concerns
over Roman Pavlyuchenko's ongoing failure to secure a regular place in
Harry Redknapp's Tottenham team.
Pavlyuchenko has made only four appearances as a substitute in the Premier
League this season and is firmly behind Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and
Peter Crouch in Redknapp's plans at White Hart Lane.
If his struggles continue, then Hiddink has warned that the man who looked
so impressive at Euro 2008 could completely miss out on a place on the
plane to South Africa, should Russia beat Slovenia in a two-legged play-off.
"Yes, there is that danger,'' Hiddink told Sport Express. "It
will depend on other strikers. I'm not going to take six forwards for
one position.''
Alexander Kerzhakov was left out of Hiddink's Euro 2008 squad, and the
Dutchman added: "A similar situation could arise in 2010 and Roman
should remember this. But we know how Pavlyuchenko can improve in the
run-up to the World Cup.
"When we began preparing for Euro 2008, he was not in good form.
But with three to four weeks of heavy training he lost four kilos and
put himself in a position that allowed him to perform well at the European
Championship.''
Hiddink has held discussions with Redknapp regarding Pavlyuchenko's situation
and although he stopped short of advising the striker to seek alternative
employment, the national manager does feel that enjoying regular first-team
football is imperative.
"Everyone knows the situation is far from ideal," Hiddink said.
"Of course, Pavlyuchenko is not pleased that he's not playing. But
this is England and in England you have to earn the right to play. Yes,
he has played in the League Cup but he isn't getting constant match practice.
"Redknapp is pleased with Roman and believes he is a talented player
who has no pretentions as a professional. But in the English Premier League
you have to constantly prove your class. The coach would like to see a
more powerful competitive spirit from him.
"As for his future plans, you must ask Pavlyuchenko. I don't have
the right to make the decision. He has a contract with the club. But it
is important for Roman to play. If he doesn't play for club and country,
he will surely lose his rhythm."
Soccernet.espn.go.com,
November 9, 2009
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