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Hiddink Lined Up For Chelsea Job
Guss Hiddink has reportedly been sounded out to take over at Chelsea
in the summer.
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Photo: goal.com
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The Dutchman is the favourite to succeed beleaguered manager
Avram Grant at Stamford Bridge, an occurrence that will almost become
a certainty should the Blues lose their upcoming Champions League semi-final
tie against Liverpool.
Hiddink is currently coaching the Russia national team, and although his
contract with the Russian Football Federation expires at the end of Euro
2008 he has the option of extending it until the close of the 2010 World
Cup.
However, given the three-pronged nature of Hiddink's contract with Russia,
it is likely that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will impede any attempt
to extend the current deal.
There are three parties involved in the contract negotiations: Hiddink,
the Federation, and the Russian National Football Academy - which just
so happens to be owned by Abramovich.
"Guus Hiddink's future as Russia coach is in doubt," said a
source in Holland.
"Abramovich has put the block on his contract extension and those
close to Guus reckon that will pave the way for him to take over at Chelsea."
To Sack, Or Not To Sack?
The former Valencia boss has long been linked with the Chelsea job, partly
due Dutch connections such as Hank Ten Cate and Piet de Visser already
at Stamford Bridge.
And with Abramovich underwhelmed by Avram Grant's managerial efforts of
late, it may only be a matter of when, and not if, Hiddink is installed
as Blues boss.
But as Chelsea are still in the hunt for both the Premier League and Champions
League trophies, any success may leave Abramovich to face a tricky impasse
regarding whether to persist with the Israeli or replace him with the
more-experienced Hiddink.
It is expected that Grant would seek a ?5 million payout should he be
ousted from his post, rather than returning to a backroom position.
Mike Maguire
Goal.com,
4/19/2008
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