Turkish national team coach Guus Hiddink is not having any negotiations with the Russian Premier League’s flamboyant side, Anzhi Makhachkala.
“Guus received many tempting offers from top European clubs, including English majors, in recent months,” Cees van Nieuwenhuizen, Hiddink’s agent, told Sovetsky Sport newspaper. “But Hiddink refused all of them, replying that he respects the contract he has with Turkey. Hopefully, the Turks will now show him exactly the same respect and release him.”
Turkey were humiliated by Croatia 3-0 at home in the first leg of the Euro 2012 playoffs, almost losing their chances to qualify for the event.
Hiddink’s agreement with the Turkish Football Federation expires on August 1, 2012, but it’s likely to be terminated after the return match in Croatia on November 15.
But when asked about the possibility of his client taking up the Anzhi job, van Nieuwenhuizen said: “No one from this club has ever contacted me.”
“No, no, no. The main option being discussed is Ajax,” the agent added. “He’s eagerly awaited in this club, and one has to keep in mind Guus himself lives in Amsterdam.”
Hiddink hasn’t given his agreement to lead the Dutch club yet as he waits for his Turkish deal to expire.
According to media reports, 65-year-old Hiddink – along with Marcello Lippi Fabio Capello and Luiz Felipe Scolari – is one of the main candidates to become Anzhi’s coach after Samuel Eto’s club parted ways with Gadzhi Gadzhiev back in September.
The name of Guus Hiddink is dear to many Russian fans as he led the country’s national team to a historic third place finish at Euro 2008.