Hiddink considering Ivory Coast WC coaching offer
MOSCOW - Outgoing Russia coach Guus Hiddink wants to end his contract with the Russian FA as soon as possible so he can consider an offer to coach Ivory Coast at this year’s World Cup, his adviser said on Thursday.
MOSCOW - Outgoing Russia coach Guus Hiddink wants to end his contract with the Russian FA as soon as possible so he can consider an offer to coach Ivory Coast at this year’s World Cup, his adviser said on Thursday.
“I hope his contract situation would be settled before the end of this month or even sooner,†Cees van Nieuwenhuizen told Reuters by telephone from Amsterdam.
Hiddink’s contract with Russia expires on July 15, and he is set to start as Turkey’s new coach from August 1.
Van Nieuwenhuizen confirmed that Hiddink had been approached by Ivory Coast to lead the African team at this year’s World Cup but the Dutchman must first release himself from his obligations with the Russian FA (RFU).
“We must be fair to the Ivory Coast and give them a definite answer in the next couple of weeks,†van Nieuwenhuizen said.
“But we can’t do anything until we sort out Russia’s contract.â€
Media reports say Ivory Coast, who sacked coach Vahid Halilhodzic last month, have offered the experienced and highly respected Hiddink a two-month contract starting on May 15.
“We have their offer but it doesn’t mean Guus will take it even if he was freed from his Russian contract.
But at least, he could make his own decisions then,†van Nieuwenhuizen said.
Hiddink coached Holland to the World Cup semi-finals in 1998, South Korea to the same stage four years later and led Australia at the World Cup in Germany four years ago. The coach led English Premier League side Chelsea to the FA Cup last year.
“I hope his contract situation would be settled before the end of this month or even sooner,†Cees van Nieuwenhuizen told Reuters by telephone from Amsterdam.
Hiddink’s contract with Russia expires on July 15, and he is set to start as Turkey’s new coach from August 1.
Van Nieuwenhuizen confirmed that Hiddink had been approached by Ivory Coast to lead the African team at this year’s World Cup but the Dutchman must first release himself from his obligations with the Russian FA (RFU).
“We must be fair to the Ivory Coast and give them a definite answer in the next couple of weeks,†van Nieuwenhuizen said.
“But we can’t do anything until we sort out Russia’s contract.â€
Media reports say Ivory Coast, who sacked coach Vahid Halilhodzic last month, have offered the experienced and highly respected Hiddink a two-month contract starting on May 15.
“We have their offer but it doesn’t mean Guus will take it even if he was freed from his Russian contract.
But at least, he could make his own decisions then,†van Nieuwenhuizen said.
Hiddink coached Holland to the World Cup semi-finals in 1998, South Korea to the same stage four years later and led Australia at the World Cup in Germany four years ago. The coach led English Premier League side Chelsea to the FA Cup last year.