Chelsea no-go for Hiddink

Russia boss' agent rules out move to Stamford Bridge

Last updated: 26th May 2008

Guus Hiddink

Hiddink: Unlikely to replace Grant

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The agent of Guus Hiddink insists there is 'no way' the Russia manager will take over at Chelsea.

Hiddink is one of the favourites to succeed Avram Grant at Stamford Bridge after the Israeli was sacked on Saturday following only eight months in charge of Chelsea.

However, Hiddink's agent - Cees van Nieuwenhuizen - is confident the Russia boss will honour the remaining two years of his contract at international level.

"There's no way Guus will go to Chelsea," Van Nieuwenhuizen said in The Times.

Option

"It's not an option and has never been. Guus is the coach of Russia and will stay until the World Cup of 2010."

Hiddink is understood to enjoy a good relationship with Roman Abramovich and the Chelsea owner helps to finance the Dutchman's salary as Russia boss.

And League Managers' Association chief executive Richard Bevan believes that whoever is next in the Chelsea hot-seat will have to learn to live with the influence of Abramovich.

"I was told that at a dinner in Russia Roman Abramovich said he wanted more involvement in the football side of the business," Bevan said in The Sun. "That is, and was, his true love.

Interference

"He said he had contributed 30 per cent towards the club regarding on-pitch activity. That's fairly unusual from a chairman's perspective.

"But with Avram Grant - they are similar characters and close friends - you can easily understand that. I think you can take it from that he was recommending and signing players.

"It was maybe not so much interfering but heavy communication.

"If you're the richest man in the world, have a massive passion and want to drive Chelsea forward, you want to speak to the manager on a regular basis. I'm sure that's what he did with Avram.

"It's not a normal world at Chelsea. Abramovich is one of the world's wealthiest men and wants trophies. It's short-termism. He wants to win tomorrow."