Hiddink set to coach Turkey's national team - media
Photo: RIA Novosti
Turkish sports media have insisted that Russia coach Guus
Hiddink may sign a deal to take over Turkey's national team as early as
on February 5.
Istanbul-based Fanatik newspaper said that Turkey expects the 63-year-old
Dutch trainer to sign a contract this Friday so that he could attend the
Euro-2012 qualifying draw on February 7 in Warsaw.
Turkey's National Football Federation neither denied nor confirmed this
report or any other media speculations.
Turkey has been looking for a new coach since Fatih Terim resigned after
they missed out on South Africa 2010.
The Dutchman's contract with the Russian Football Union expires in July
2010, but his team failed to reach this summer's World Cup and there is
a clause allowing him to leave early.
He has been offered a new deal to lead the Russian side to the 2012 European
Championships, and fans have started an online petition to convince him
to stay.
The Russian soccer authorities expect a decision from the trainer soon
after his meeting with a newly-elected president of the Russian Football
Union.
The elections will be held on Wednesday. Former Zenit St. Petersburg president
Sergei Fursenko is widely expected to be appointed to the post. His links
with Gazprom mean the energy giant is likely to take over from Russian
billionaire and Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich as the main source of
funding for the Russian Football Union.
