Russia plan to keep Hiddink
24 Jun 2008 - 14:28:16
The Russian Football Union are attempting to stave off interest in Guus Hiddink after revealing they are ready to offer the highly-rated coach a new contract.
Hiddink's latest international feat of guiding the unfancied Russians to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 is bound to increase speculation that one of Europe's leading clubs will attempt to poach him after the tournament.
But Russian officials are keen to tie the 61-year-old Dutchman down to a new contract with the national side.
"The National Football Academy is ready to sign an extension deal with Hiddink," said association representative Sergei Kapkov.
"The new contract will differ from the previous one, which ran for two years, since it concerns not only the Russian national team.
"It will involve ambitious projects on programme of football development and enhancement of national football.
"People have confidence in Hiddink and we should make use of this fact now.
"In order to sign a new deal, we need to meet with Hiddink, but we are not aware of his plans yet."