Chelsea open talks with Hiddink
Russia coach Guus Hiddink top of Chelsea's shortlist for vacant managerial position
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Tuesday, 10, Feb 2009 11:19
Chelsea have been given permission by the Football Union of Russia (FUR) to speak to Guus Hiddink about becoming the club's new temporary coach.
The Blues sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari yesterday and have moved quickly to identify and begin negotiations over a new appointment, with Hiddink believed to be owner Roman Abramovich's preferred choice as manager.
A statement from the club today reads: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have officially approached the FUR for permission to speak to Guus Hiddink to become the club's temporary coach until the end of the season while continuing to be in charge of the Russian national team.
"That permission has been granted and Chelsea would like to thank the RFU for their co-operation."
The surprise sacking of Scolari is considered to have been instigated by the Blues' Russian owner, who was unhappy with the team's recent form.
Hiddink was one of several candidates for the Chelsea job before Scolari's appointment last summer but has previously distanced himself from speculation because of his ongoing commitment to international management.
However, the latest development would mean the Dutchman could continue in his job as Russia manager while simultaneously taking charge of Chelsea - the sort of dual role he has taken on before with PSV Eindhoven and the Australian national team.
In a statement, the FUR confirmed the talks and said that discussions had already been held over the practicalities of Hiddink taking on both roles.
"The English side proposes an option that will have Hiddink heading Chelsea until the end of the current championship in May 2009," it said.
"The FUR is prepared to agree to this proposal, especially as the combination of posts does not contradict the conditions of Hiddink's contract with the Russian Football Union.
"In this case, it is implied that the coach's priority will remain the work with the Russian team.
"And FUR is convinced that a collaboration [of the two posts] will not prevent the preparation of the Russian national team for the qualification matches for the 2010 World Cup."
The statement added: "The combination of posts by the Dutch coach will be discussed in the course of the forthcoming talks between the FUR and Chelsea."
Although Hiddink, who is contracted to the Russian FA until July 2010, remains Abramovich's top target several other coaches are also in the frame to succeed Scolari.
Former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard, who is currently out of work, is thought to have already expressed an interest in the role, while ex-Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini could also be in the frame.
Chelsea fans are thought to favour a return to the club for former player Gianfranco Zola, who is currently in charge at rivals West Ham United, and the Italian would likely bring with him top-rated assistant coach Steve Clarke.
Among the other candidates are former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson and recent ex-Chelsea manager Avram Grant - who could also come back to Stamford Bridge to act as Hiddink's assistant.