English Premiership
Hiddink hints at Chelsea stay
2009-03-20 06:45
London - Guus Hiddink hinted on Friday he could take over at Chelsea on a full-time basis if Russia failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals.
The Dutchman took over at the Premier League club on a short-term basis last month, saying he would combine the job with his commitments as Russia coach until the end of the season.
"I will focus on Russia after this (Chelsea) project but people say 'think about it, stay'," Hiddink told the Daily Express newspaper on Friday.
"I enjoy it with the Russians but I do have a clause that says we can stop in November if Russia don't qualify.
"Then the Russian FA can choose another direction and I would be free to go," he added.
Since Hiddink replaced Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, Chelsea have gone on a seven-match unbeaten run and have closed the gap on Manchester United to four points at the top of the Premier League table.
The Stamford Bridge club have also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and set up a meeting with London rivals Arsenal in the semi-finals of the FA Cup next month.
The draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League will be held later on Friday.