Hiddink's appointment irks Russia's old guard
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-08-02 14:40 At least he will have no language barrier when talking to compatriot Dick
Advocaat, who was named Zenit coach in late June after stepping down as manager
of South Korea following their elimination from the World Cup finals.
Advocaat has nothing but praise for his fellow Dutchman.
"Guus Hiddink is a world-class coach and I think you should be very happy to
have him here," Advocaat told Russian media.
Russia's players also expressed confidence in Hiddink.
"I think Hiddink will bring a winning mentality to our national team," said
Russia captain Alexei Smertin.
Yegor Titov, Spartak Moscow captain and one of Russia's most influential
players, added: "It's been a long time since we achieved anything worthwhile.
"We're all starving for success and if Hiddink holds the key to our future,
than it doesn't really matter if he is Dutch, French or Italian. He is our
coach."
Hiddink will make his debut as manager in a friendly against Latvia on Aug.
16 before the Russians begin their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign by facing
Croatia on Sept. 6.
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