Hiddink confirmed as Turkey coach
Guus Hiddink shrugs off EPL speculation to become national coach of Turkey.
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| Hiddink’s appointment put to rest rumours that he was English Premier League bound [EPA] |
Former Russia boss Guus Hiddink has agreed to a two-year contract as the coach of the Turkish national team.
Last week, the Dutchman announced he would step down as national coach of Russia when his contract expired on June 30.
The Turkish Football Federation have confirmed he will sign a contract committing him to Turkey until August 2012.
“The Turkish Football Federation chairman and vice chairman met Mr Hiddink in Amsterdam yesterday and agreed on a deal of four years, of which two years will be optional,” the federation said in a statement.
Popular figure
Hiddink is one of the most celebrated coaches in world football and has been in charge of Russia since 2006, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2008 European Championship, but the team failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup.
Turkey, Euro 2008 semi-finalists, have also failed to qualify.
Hiddink took the Netherlands to the World Cup semi-finals in 1998 and again with co-hosts South Korea in 2002, before helping underdogs Australia reach the knockout stages in 2006.
During his spell with Russia, Hiddink also managed English Premier League side Chelsea at the end of last season, helping them to an FA Cup title.
Hiddink also coached Istanbul side Fenerbahce during the 1990-91 season.
“Guus is not new to Turkey,” Hiddink’s agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen told Netherland’s de Volkskrant newspaper.
“He will surely know where to begin.”
“The passion and experience in football in Turkey is comparable to only a few countries.”
Hiddink replaces Fatih Terim, who quit after Turkey failed to reach the World Cup.
Terim had been coach since 2005, taking the team to the Euro 2008 semi-finals.