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Hiddink: I won't be at South Africa
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Russia coach Guus Hiddink will not lead another team to
the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaT, the Dutchman has revealed.
Hiddink, who does not expect a decision on his future to be made until
the new year, has also revealed his disappointment at Russia missing out
on the finals after losing out in a play-off to Slovenia on away goals.
He also admitted he could not watch the draw for the FIFA World Cup finals.
The 63-year-old, who has been linked with South Africa, Argentina and
also Turkey who have not qualified for the finals, told Russian daily
Sport Express: "My working relationships with my employers have always
been based on the principles of plain speaking and honesty.
"And in this way I can say for sure that I haven't signed contracts
with anybody, nor have I even held any talks, neither with clubs nor federations.
I won't hide the fact that many have wanted to hold talks. But I have
declined them all."
I won't hide the fact that many have wanted to hold talks. But I have
declined them all.Guus Hiddink, Russia coach.
Hiddink, who reached the finals with his native Netherlands, Korea Republic
and Australia, added: "I was so disappointed that our side didn't
reach South Africa that watching the draw would have caused me real pain.
"For the whole time that has passed since the match in Maribor I
haven't been able to do much in general. The feelings of devastation and
disappointment have been colossal. I haven't been to another game since.
It has been too unbearable after what happened. These have been very hard
days for me."
Hiddink prefers to stay in the background as coaches lead the teams they
qualified with into the finals. He said: "Almost all the sides that
came through the qualifying stages with their own coaches will be going
with them to South Africa. But even if one or another federation were
to offer me (the chance) to take charge of their national side for the
World Cup, I would refuse. That would only be possible if I had made it
through with the team I was in charge of during the qualifiers."
Elections to appoint a successor to Vitaly Mutko, the outgoing president
of the Russian Football Association (RFS), are expected to take place
at the end of the year. Hiddink also revealed that only once the new man
was in place would there be any discussions over his future in Russia.
"I have plenty of time to think about the future and reach the correct
decision regarding future work in Russia," he added. "My contract
expires at the end of June, which I intend to see through to the end and
only then sort out my plans.
"The elections for the RFS presidency take place soon, and at the
moment this issue, and consequently the direction of the future development
of Russian football, remains unclear. This means there is little I can
do for now except wait."
FIFA.com,
7 December 2009
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