Guus Hiddink would relish Premier League return after Chelsea experience

09 September 2009 09:37
Hiddink, who oversees Russia's World Cup qualifier against Wales at the Millennium Stadium tonight, spent the final four months of last season with Chelsea at the behest of Roman Abramovich, who had just sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari. Hiddink transformed Chelsea's season, and galvanised the squad. Chelsea supporters called for Abramovich to appoint Hiddink on a full-time basis, but the Dutchman was committed to coaching the Russian national team and Carlo Ancelotti was named the new manager at Stamford Bridge. That period in England, though, has reportedly left an indelible mark on Hiddink and, after the World Cup is over, assuming Russia qualify, and when he has rested from football, the 62-year-old has confessed he would find the Premier League a very attractive place to work. Hiddink said: "I had a wonderful time there and before I worked for Chelsea I was often (watching) the Premier League. "I love to be in England to smell the atmosphere. So, missing it? Of course missing it. But I love to work with the guys in Moscow as well." "England is very attractive. It's unique in that the level of competition is high. But I have to make a judgment whether I stop for a few months, or half a year or a year, or do something different within football. I don't know yet. I am ageing in our profession. "But as long as football gives me the energy and I am not repeating myself - because that is a trap, being a long time in the business that you go on automatic pilot."

Source: Telegraph