Hiddink rejects World Cup offer from Ivory Coast despite Drogba's hard sell

13 March 2010 12:03
Putting the squeeze on Guus: Hiddink (right) won't join Ivory Coast, despite Didier Drogba's (left) sweet talk[LNB]Guus Hiddink has turned down repeated appeals from Didier Drogba to manage the Ivory Coast at this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa. [LNB]The Dutchman, who managed Elephants striker Drogba at Chelsea, is currently contracted to Russia but will move to take charge of Turkey when his deal expires.[LNB] Both nations have failed to make this summer's finals and Drogba lobbied Hiddink to request he would lead the Ivory Coast's Group G campaign against Brazil, North Korea and Portugal. [LNB]But the 63-year-old turned down an offer following talks with Ivory Coast football federation president Jacques Anouma. [LNB]He said in his column in Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: 'Although I had a great conversation with the federal president and chief executive Jacques Anouma, I myself had already decided not to go. '[LNB]'It was a decision taken to avoid unnecessary confusion. [LNB]'Though I must admit that with the Ivory Coast it has not been easy.' [LNB]Hiddink said Turkey's tour of North America in May would take priority as it was necessary for him to assess the players before taking up the job in August.[LNB] The Ivory Coast sacked Vahid Halilhodzic after a disappointing African Nations Cup campaign and were under the guidance of acting coach Kouadio Georges when they lost 2-0 to South Korea in a friendly at Loftus Road earlier this month.[LNB] CHELSEA FC: All the latest news from across the webShaky Chelsea turn to No 3 Turnbull with Cech and Hilario sidelinedDES KELLY: Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho IS the Real deal.[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail