Hiddink to remain Russia's coach through 2010
MOSCOW: Guus Hiddink will extend his contract as Russia's manager through 2010, the Dutchman said on Wednesday, ending media speculation he could leave to coach elsewhere in the near future.
Hiddink, 60, who signed a two-year contract with Russia after leading Australia to the second round of last year's World Cup finals, agreed to a new deal after meeting Russian soccer chief Vitaly Mutko on Monday.
"We had discussions with Mr Mutko and we agreed for me to stay on for two more years," Hiddink told a news conference.
"It is a wise decision not only to think about the upcoming match or matches but to think ahead to the future of Russian football."
Russia faces England in its decisive Euro 2008 Group E qualifier in Moscow next Wednesday, needing a victory to have any real hope of reaching next year's finals.
Russia dropped to third, two points behind England and five adrift of pace-setters Croatia, after losing 3-0 against England at Wembley last month.
"No doubt, this is a key game for us, the one we must win," Hiddink said. "But regardless of next week's outcome we must have a bigger picture in mind concerning Russian football.
Agencies
(China Daily 10/12/2007 page24)
