Russians have Hiddink in their Sights

Russian soccer officials were not happy about their country’s failure to qualify for the World Cup and they are ready to do something about it.

Newspapers in Russian are reporting that Australia’s coach Guus Hiddink and South Korea’s coach Dick Advocaat are top contenders to take the helm of the national team after their World Cup coaching stints are over.

According to this article, “Russian daily Sovietsky Sport made Hiddink a firm favourite with a 70 per cent chance of becoming Russia’s next national team manager, giving the remaining 30 per cent to Advocaat.�?

What does this mean for the Socceroos?

Not much. It would be unrealistic to think that Hiddink is anything other than a mercenary who will take his talents wherever the money and opportunity arises. He has never been presented as a long-term coach of Australia, especially since he continues to coach at PSV Eindhoven.

Hiddink is a great coach and I have no doubt he will remain fully committed to helping Australia advance, even if he has struck a deal and is chasing after the rubles.