SOCCER NEWS:GUUS HIDDINK marked his return to Russia as the country's national coach yesterday by pouring cold water on any suggestion he can be persuaded to continue as Chelsea's manager next season.

Hiddink, more popular in Russia than the prime minister Vladimir Putin, conceded there has been a concerted campaign to keep him at Chelsea but described his much-affirmed decision to leave in May as “categorical” and said his future would only be decided in November, at the end of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Asked whether there had been pressure to continue at Stamford Bridge, he said: “That’s true. A lot of people are trying to persuade me to stay at Chelsea. But I won’t change my decision. I’m leaving Chelsea in May.”

Hiddink added he hoped to see Chelsea through to the Champions League final at the end of May. He made clear his long-term future as the national coach depends on whether Russia can overcome Germany in their World Cup qualifier in Moscow on October 10th or, if they finish second in the group, win a play-off in November to reach South Africa in 2010.

“We will do everything, and even more, to qualify for the World Cup,” he said. “But, if not, the Russian Football Union would surely want to elaborate a new strategy for the development of football in the country. And in that case they’ll need another man, not me.

“If this happens I’m ready to leave in November. Or decide whether we will work together in the future or not. This is the talk we had. It doesn’t have any relation with Chelsea.”

Hiddink flew back to Moscow ahead of Russia’s World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan on Saturday and Liechtenstein the following Wednesday. He held a training session yesterday with the Russian squad in freezing temperatures and light snow at the city’s Luzhniki Stadium.

The Dutchman also praised Andrey Arshavin, describing him as integral to the Russian national side. Arshavin has adjusted rapidly to the physical and mental demands of the Premier League with Arsenal, and Hiddink said. “He’s adapted very well. He’s not shy. He’s a capable player and a beautiful role model for young players in Russia.”

Russian observers say the only possibility of Hiddink extending his tenure at Chelsea depends on a complex series of factors. These include the internal dynamics of Russia’s football association and, very importantly, the wishes of the Kremlin – for whom Hiddink has been the key to unlocking Russia’s footballing glory.

Most commentators within Russia believe Roman Abramovich is unlikely to try to keep Hiddink at Stamford Bridge if this conflicts with what the Russian government wants. The Chelsea FC owner and other nervous oligarchs know instinctively the quickest way to be deprived of their billions is to go against the wishes of the Kremlin, especially over questions of national prestige.

“Abramovich understands that here in Russia he will be very unpopular if he keeps Hiddink at Chelsea. Maybe he understands it would be better to find someone else, like Frank Rijkaard, for a long-term relationship with the club,” Anton Lisin, a writer and columnist with Sovietsky Sport said yesterday.

“But in London everyone wants him to stay. If you look at the football forums on the internet they are all calling for him to carry on. Abramovich may end up being the victim in this, and of his decision to bring Hiddink to Chelsea. In the end he has to decide.”

A possible successor for Hiddink at Stamford Bridge, AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, yesterday sparked fresh speculation over his future by hinting he is unlikely to remain at the San Siro indefinitely.

Ancelotti is expected to be a Chelsea target in the summer when Hiddink departs London.

Ancelotti was linked with the post on a permanent basis before Chelsea opted to appoint Hiddink as a stop-gap measure.

Speaking to Il Corriere dello Sport, Ancelotti said: "Of course, I will not coach Milan forever . . . anything is possible.

“I would like to say goodbye with a hug, but now is not the time and our working relationship is completely in tune.”

But in another twist, Ancelotti then named Hiddink as his managerial idol. “I have always said that my foreign idol is Guus Hiddink, who has done well wherever he has gone.”

Guardian Service