Guus Hiddink has every intention of guiding Russia to the European Championship
next summer, but has not ruled out one day coaching in England.
The Dutchman, 60, was a leading candidate to take over from
Sven-Goran Eriksson after the 2006 World Cup and has a strong pedigree
both at international and club level.
The man who took both Holland and then South Korea to the semi-finals
of the World Cup before leading Australia into to the last 16 in Germany
last summer has also found himself continually named as the front-runner
to take charge at Chelsea should Jose Mourinho ever leave Stamford Bridge.
For he time being, though, Hiddink remains fully committed to the job
in hand of steering Russia towards Euro 2008, possibly at the expense
of England, whom they play at Wembley on Wednesday night.
"I am a 60-year-old coach and I do not know what the future will
bring," Hiddink told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.
"But as long as I have got the energy or receive the energy from
the young lads, I am willing to work with young lads, and not anywhere
in the world.
"But England is always very challenging - however, I am very happy
in this transition time in Russia."
Hiddink, who admits he is a "fan of the English game" added:
"They want me to stay regardless of the results coming up because
they feel we are on the edge of starting something new.
"But I have not made up my mind to stay or whether to go, or have
six months sabbatical.
"I do not know yet - let's first have the forthcoming weeks in the
qualification."
Russia moved up into second place in the Group E table with a 3-0 victory
over Macedonia in Moscow, despite having their goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov
sent off. He will now miss the game at Wembley through suspension.
Hiddink's men are a point ahead of England, but two behind leaders Croatia,
with all three teams having played eight games.
The Dutchman knows there are sure to be plenty of twists and turns ahead
as the race to reach Austria and Switzerland next summer gathers pace.
"We have a tough group, and I think that the three teams are now
competing for this [qualification]," he said.
"Everyone has to play everyone, so it is very complicated.
"Of course, I would like to be there with Russia, and wish that England
will be there because they are always good at a tournament.
"But realistically, you have to consider Croatia are a very experienced
side now for many years. They do not spoil many points."
Despite England's injury problems, they were able to comfortably beat
Israel 3-0 at Wembley yesterday.
Hiddink believes Steve McClaren's squad has plenty of strength in depth.
"Always as a fan you like to have all the best players for the spectators,"
he said.
"The key players are very important, but the substitutes are not
really substitutes because they are big names in English football as well.
"They are super-motivated to do even better, so for me there is not
a disadvantage from England."
Hiddink added: "I was impressed with England in the friendly against
Germany, even though the result went against them.
"England created a lot of chances and were unlucky in not finishing
it off, then Germany got two lucky, lucky goals.
"On Saturday I saw some flashes from England and they were dominating
the game - Israel do have potential if you let them play."
Hiddink maintains he will not send Russia out at Wembley on Wednesday
night intent of frustrating England and playing for the draw.
He said: "I always like to start a game to win, and at the end we
will see where we are.
"My team, they must always go for a win. At the end, we will see."
Hiddink, though, accepts: "It is a time of transition in Russian
football. Both the infrastructure has to be improved a lot and we are
starting to get the young people educated.
"Also, the first team has to be renovated as well.
"Before the Soviet Union collapsed, you could pick one or two players
out of every country and you have a very good team.
"Now Russia also has to build its own team, and they do need some
experience."
,
09/09/07
Russian ladies dream about happy marriage.
Click on a photo...
