MOSCOW, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Guus Hiddink has agreed in
principle to extend his contract as Russia coach through 2010, ending
speculation the Dutchman would coach elsewhere in the near future, he
said on Saturday.
Hiddink told Reuters he had met Russian FA chief Vitaly Mutko on the eve
of Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against England in London to discuss
his future.
"I had a talk with Mr Mutko and although we didn't go into the contract
details because I wanted to concentrate on the England game, we have decided
to continue our relationship for another two years through 2010,"
Hiddink said in a telephone interview from the Netherlands.
"I've made no secret of my desire to continue. Since day one I've
enjoyed my job with Russia, enjoyed living in Moscow and enjoyed working
with the Russian players," he added.
"I think we have started an important job of building a new team
and it's very important to continue the process. I'm really looking forward
to achieving even greater things with Russia."
Russia had been undefeated under Hiddink for over a year until England
beat them 3-0 at Wembley, severely denting their hopes of reaching next
year's finals from a tight Group E.
Russia are third, five points behind leaders Croatia and two adrift of
England with three matches remaining.
Hiddink said he wanted to stay in the job whether Russia qualified for
the Euro 2008 finals or not.
"Of course we want to qualify, but even if we miss out I'm not planning
to leave Russia," said the Dutchman, who has been linked with coaching
England as well as several top European clubs in the past.
The hugely successful 60-year-old led the Netherlands and South Korea
to the World Cup semi-finals in 1998 and 2002 respectively.
Russian media has reported that Hiddink earns more than two million euros
($2.78 million) a year in Russia. The Dutchman's salary package is paid
for by Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich through his National
Academy Fund.
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September 16 2007
Russian ladies dream about happy marriage.
Click on a photo...
