Hiddink deal boosts Russia
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Article summary
The Russian FA and coach Guus Hiddink have confirmed they have reached agreement to extend the Dutchman's stay with the national team until 2010.
Article body
President happy
"Hiddink and I have agreed on our future co-operation and have reached an agreement," said RFS president Vitali Mutko. "He has agreed to stay on until 2010. The details of his contract are still to be finalised but on the whole we're satisfied with his work." The RFS announced in April last year that Hiddink would be joining them after the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he guided Australia to the knockout rounds before a late defeat by eventual-winners Italy ended their involvement.
'Wise decision'
Hiddink, 60, said: "Recently I've denied interviews to several journalists, which is not my style. They were all interested in whether I was going to stay on after 2008. Now I can officially say that we've reached an agreement and I'm happy with that. I think it's a very wise decision. I like the fact the RFS thinks about the future." Under the former PSV Eindhoven, Real Madrid CF and Netherlands coach, Russia have tallied 18 points from nine games in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group E, their only loss coming against an England side they host in a vital qualifier a week today.