Turkey set to grab Hiddink from Nigeria
By Ifeanyi Ibeh with Agency Reports
February 10, 2010 02:04AM
Russia’s national soccer team coach Guus Hiddink (R) gestures during a training session. Photo: REUTERS
The Nigeria Football Federation’s plans to secure the services of Guus Hiddink appears set to hit the rocks as the Turkish Football Federation is reportedly on the brink of naming him as the national team coach.
The 60 year-old Hiddink is currently in charge of the Russian national side but is one of the coaches shortlisted to take the Super Eagles to the World Cup. His contract with the Russian Federation ends in July but he recently said he would like to see his contract extended so that he can remain in charge of the side all through the qualifying campaign for the 2012 European Championships billed to be co-hosted by Ukraine and Poland.
Reports from Europe however suggests that Hiddink is set to step down from his position and become the new coach of Turkey who have been without a coach since the resignation of Fatih Terim after Turkey failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup.
Welshman Mark Hughes, who was sacked at English Premier League side Manchester City just before Christmas, was previously the favourite to take over as Turkey’s coach with former Turkey midfielder Tugay as his assistant coach.
Republic of Ireland’s manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, whose side were grouped along with the Russians in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, was also linked with the Turkish position last month only to reaffirm his commitment to his current employers.
Turkish delight
According to the Daily Express, sources within the Turkish Federation are saying that Hiddink is now the favourite.
The report even quotes the Turkish Football Federation’s deputy Lutfi Aribogan as saying that: “We are close to getting the signature of a world-class manager.” The official announcement is expected to be made within days and the report disclosed that Turkey’s current assistant coach Oguz Cetin, will be assisting the Dutchman.
Hiddink has had coaching experience in Turkey with Fenerbache and has also managed Holland,
South Korea and Australia, as well as Real Madrid. Last season, he managed Chelsea temporarily.
Pay cut
Another report however claims the Dutch is ready to take a pay cut to work in Nigeria.
KickOffNigeria, a football website, claimed that Hiddink’s representative Cees van Nieuwenheizen said the Dutch coach would consider a pay cut in order to coach Nigeria, but said any move would only happen with the approval of the Russian Federation.
“Guus is a loyal employee of the Russian Football Federation. He has a contract until July 15 and he never breaks a contract. If, and I say if because we have not been officially contacted by the Nigeria federation. If we get such an offer, we will have to discuss with the Russian Federation and if there could be an agreement with the Russian federation, then Guus could consider the situation,” he said.
The agent revealed they are yet to get any official contact from the NFF.
“I am now talking to somebody representing the media; I have not been in contact with anybody from the Nigeria Football Federation. We received an email from somebody in London, a John Shittu with a number to call. I do not call the number.
“But if somebody calls and says he is the President or the General Secretary, then we can speak to the Russia federation and we can find a solution.”
