Guus Hiddink, the Russia coach, has refused to rule out
the possibility of working in England after his current contract expires
next year.
Hiddink, whose agent was approached by the FA when they sought a successor
to Sven-Goran Eriksson, said yesterday: "I am a 60-year-old coach
and don't know what the future will bring. England is very challenging.
At the moment I'm very happy with this transition time in Russia.
"They want me to stay regardless of results, they feel we are on
the edge of starting something new. I have not made up my mind whether
to stay, whether to go, or whether to have a year's sabbatical."
The Dutchman also raised the pressure ahead of their Group E game with
England on Wednesday by suggesting that qualification will be decided
by the results between the two teams.
Croatia are narrow favourites to progress from the section, although England
are one point adrift of second-placed Russia, who dispatched Macedonia
on Saturday by the same 3-0 scoreline that Steve McClaren's team enjoyed
against Israel.
"Croatia are in the lead [of England] and they don't drop many points,"
said Hiddink. "Everyone has to play everyone so it is very complicated.
I would like to be there next summer. I wish England are there because
they are good in a tournament but realistically you have to say Croatia
is a very experienced team." Hiddink was also impressed by England's
win on Saturday. "They clearly dominated," he said. "England
did a very good job against Israel, who I know have potential." Hiddink
also played down the advantage to Russia of England's injury problems.
"The substitutes are big names in English football," he said.
"They do well and are super-motivated to do even better. It is not
a disadvantage." Although Russia have a narrow advantage in the group
Hiddink says his team will not play for a draw at Wembley. "I always
like to play a game to win," he said.
,
10 September 2007
Russian ladies dream about happy marriage.
Click on a photo...
