MOSCOW, October 29 (RIA Novosti) - An official offer on a contract extension for the Russian national team's Dutch trainer Guus Hiddink will be made after the World Cup qualifiers, the Russian Football Union president said on Thursday.
Hiddink became the manager of the Russian national team in 2006 and immediately set about rebuilding a demoralized side that had not managed to get out of the group stages at a major tournament since the break up of the Soviet Union. The Dutch coach brought in a host of new, young players, and Russia were transformed into an attacking, adventurous side, subsequently making the semifinals of Euro 2008.
"We [the RFU] will not object if he continues to work. We would very much like that to happen. Hiddink is thinking now. We will return to this issue after the playoffs," Vitaly Mutko said.
Hiddink's contract with Russia runs through next summer, when his Russia side hopes to play in the World Cup Finals in South Africa. To get there, Russia will have to beat Slovenia in a two-game playoff. The first leg is in Russia on November 14, with the second in Slovenia on November 18.
If Russia qualifies, it will be Hiddink's fourth consecutive finals appearance, having previously led impressive campaigns with the Netherlands in 1998, South Korea in 2002, and Australia in 2006.
