Source: Telegraph
The life and times of Chelsea's potential new manager Guus Hiddink
Playing Career[LNB]* Born in Wisch, Netherlands, on Nov. 8. 1946, Hiddink began his professional career at 23 as a midfielder with De Graafschap.[LNB]* Moved to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in 1970 but returned to De Graafschap a year later after failing to win a regular starting place.[LNB]* Had two-year spell in U.S from 1976 with Washington Diplomats and San Jose Earthquakes before moving back to Netherlands where he spent three years at NEC Nijmegen before a final year at De Graafschap ahead of retirement in 1982.[LNB]Coaching career[LNB]* Began coaching career at De Graafschap the same year before being appointed assistant manager at PSV in 1984. He succeeded Hans Kraay as manager two years later.[LNB]* Won Dutch championship with PSV four times in a row from 1986.[LNB]* In 1988 Hiddink won treble with European Cup and Dutch league and cup triumphs before following up with a domestic league and cup double the following year.[LNB]* In 1990 took over at Turkish club Fenerbahce but moved to Spain a year later, spending two years at Valencia.[LNB]International coaching[LNB]* In 1995 Hiddink was appointed coach of Netherlands, leading team to Euro 96 quarter-finals where they lost a penalty shoot-out to France.[LNB]* Qualified for the 1998 World Cup and beat Argentina in the quarter-finals thanks to a stunning late Dennis Bergkamp goal before suffering another penalty shoot-out defeat, this time to Brazil in the semis.[LNB]Return to Spain[LNB]* After the World Cup Hiddink returned to Spain to coach Real Madrid, replacing German Jupp Heynckes.[LNB]* Won World Club Cup but sacked in February 1999 after poor domestic form and was also dismissed by Real Betis the following year after a short stint there.[LNB]South Korea success[LNB]* In January 2001 he was appointed South Korea coach and led team to semi-finals of 2002 World Cup, beating Portugal, Spain and Italy, the best showing by an Asian side in the finals.[LNB]* Following the World Cup Hiddink returned to manage PSV and won three consecutive Dutch titles from 2003 and the Dutch Cup in 2005.[LNB]* Led PSV to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2005, losing to AC Milan on away goals.[LNB]Australia[LNB]* Hiddink was appointed coach of Australia in July 2005, continuing his role as PSV boss. He led the Socceroos to the World Cup in Germany the following year, losing 1-0 to Italy in the second round.[LNB]Russia[LNB]* Hiddink quit both roles after the World Cup to take charge of Russia and helped them to qualify for Euro 2008 at the expense of England. [LNB]* After a 4-1 thrashing by Spain in their opening game at Euro 2008, Hiddink went on to lead Russia to the semi-finals where they lost 3-0 to eventual winners Spain.[LNB]Chelsea?[LNB]* Announced on Feb. 10 he was in talks with Chelsea about taking over as coach until the end of the season after the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari. [LNB]
