Hiddink &'Would Say No To Chelsea&'

27 May 2008 94 entertainment, gossip
Russia coach Guus Hiddink will not become the next manager of Chelsea, according to his agent. Hiddink, 61, has been installed as one of the favourites to replace Avram Grant, who was sacked on Saturday. But Cees van Nieuwenhuizen has told BBC Sport that Hiddink is planning for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Dutchman only has a verbal agreement to remain in charge of Russia beyond the Euro 2008 finals but van Nieuwenhuizen says he will stay on. Hiddink has a formidable record at club and international level, having taken Holland and South Korea to the semi-finals of the World Cup. He is known to have a strong relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who is believed to have played a key role in his appointment as Russia boss in 2006, as well as helping to fund his salary. Hiddink is yet to sign a new deal to stay on with Russia but BBC Radio 5 Live football correspondent Jonathan Legard said: "His agent says there is nothing suspicious about the unsigned contract. "And his relationship with the Russian Football Federation is good, even if Hiddink himself expressed concern last week that the issue could become a distraction. "By contrast, Hiddink's fellow countryman Frank Rijkaard is readily available and may not object as much as (former boss) Jose Mourinho eventually did to Abramovich's football involvement, which is reckoned to be as much as 30% of on-the-pitch activity by Richard Bevan of the League Managers' Association."

Source: Modernghana