Mayhem in Moscow as protesters target new Chelsea boss Hiddink

21 February 2009 00:10
Russian fans have taken to the streets of Moscow in protest at Guus Hiddink's appointment as Chelsea [LNB]boss despite the Dutchman insisting he will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.[LNB]Hiddink replaced the sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari last week after the Russian Football Union agreed to let him combine the role with the task of steering Russia to next year's World Cup.[LNB]But demonstrators have vented their fury at the Russia coach and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.[LNB][LNB][LNB] Getting the message: The sign reads 'RFU Don't Lie Down for Abramovich'[LNB]A spokesman for the Levyi Front said: 'We protest against the recent decision to allow the Russian national team manager Guus Hiddink to take a job with Chelsea.[LNB]'Quite clearly it was taken under pressure from the RFU sponsor Roman Abramovich who also happens to be Chelsea owner.    [LNB]'Like the majority of football experts and fans in Russia, Left Front members are convinced that his work in London is going to make it impossible for Hiddink to manage the Russian team effectively.    [LNB]'By letting themselves be pushed around by this oligarch, the RFU bosses hurt the interests of our national team, which is unacceptable.'[LNB]Police said the demonstration, which also included banners calling for the sacking of Russian Football Union president Vitali Mutko, 'small and peaceful'.[LNB]The events in the Russian capital came the day before Hiddink's first press conference since taking charge of the Blues, where he insisted there is no possibility of extending his short-term deal.[LNB][LNB].[LNB] New man: Guus Hiddink is ready to boost Chelsea's title chances[LNB] This Charming Man: Laura Williamson analyses Guus Hiddink's first Chelsea press conference[LNB]Drogba hails Hiddink as the man to propel Chelsea back into the title race[LNB]Essien gives Chelsea coach Hiddink a fillip by March return from knee injury[LNB]Is Hiddink planning to stay beyond the summer as he tells Chelsea: Raid Russia for Zhirkov and Dzagoev[LNB]Hiddink's Chelsea blueprint gathers pace with speedy Mancienne[LNB]CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB] The Dutchman said: 'I will help out until the end of the season, only to the end of the season.[LNB]'I have my full-time commitment with the Russian federation which I will fulfill. I will go back in March and also at the end of May.'[LNB]'I'm here until the end of the season and with regards to who Chelsea are signing after that, it's up to them not me.'[LNB]Hiddink, 62, will now concentrate on pegging United back in the Barclays Premier League title race.[LNB]He added: 'Chelsea are still in three  competitions - the league, the FA Cup and the Champions League.[LNB]'We're 10 points down on Manchester United, which will be very difficult but  we must and will give it a try.[LNB]'In the other two competitions, Chelsea is in the race. I'm not just here to  pass the time until the end of the season - that's not what's in my mind.[LNB] Ready: Hiddink[LNB]'The players are used to winning trophies so let's try and repeat it. If they don't you can't be happy.[LNB]'The priority is Villa Park. It's the cliche answer - the next game is the most important. After that it's Juventus.[LNB]'You're obliged to yourself and your crowd to prioritise the next battle. Realistically it's difficult to catch United.[LNB]'If you're leading with 10 points you feel comfortable. But things can change in a few minutes.[LNB]'I've made up that ground before in a different league. With PSV, we were not that worried but there were some narrow escapes in the last few seasons.'[LNB]One of the tasks facing Hiddink has been to asses player morale but during his first week in charge the Dutchman has found only harmony.[LNB]'I am not totally naive,' he said. 'I wanted to see whether anything which has been said about the recent past is true. You can see when you play games whether the players get emotional.[LNB]'You can't mask things then - you show your emotions and show whether you get at a certain player. But I haven't seen that. They respect each other. What I noticed is that they are a united squad.[LNB]'There are 20-plus players and I'm realistic enough to know that one to 11 will be very happy and the rest will want to play. But they know they are in a big club and that not everyone can play.[LNB]'I'm not fully aware of the struggles that went on before and I'm not that interested in what people assume to be struggles.[LNB]'I've noticed how people behave and how people do or don't get on with each other, but in my view that has not happened so far.[LNB]'I have watched the team from a little distance in the locker room over the last few days and I can't see any division."[LNB] This Charming Man: Laura Williamson analyses Guus Hiddink's first Chelsea press conference[LNB]Drogba hails Hiddink as the man to propel Chelsea back into the title race[LNB]Essien gives Chelsea coach Hiddink a fillip by March return from knee injury[LNB]Is Hiddink planning to stay beyond the summer as he tells Chelsea: Raid Russia for Zhirkov and Dzagoev[LNB]Hiddink's Chelsea blueprint gathers pace with speedy Mancienne[LNB]CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail