Hiddink joins Russia’s big spenders Anzhi

MOSCOW: Dutch coaching legend Guus Hiddink on Friday signed an 18-month deal with ambitious Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala that reportedly makes him one of the world’s highest-paid managers.

Hiddink will now be joining a club that already includes the superstar tandem of Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o and Brazilian veteran Roberto Carlos, which the club hope will catapult them to international success.

The 65-year-old former South Korea and Australia coach became a hero in Russia after he managed to turn its historically disappointing side into a stylish attacking force that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008.

“As well as the post of head coach, Hiddink will also occupy the post of club vice president in charge of development,” Anzhi said in a statement.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed but a Dutch news report said Hiddink could earn Us$13mil a year in net salary that accounts for taxes paid by the club.

“I had lots of offers, ranging from Mexico to China,” Hiddink told Russia’s Channel One television.

“But this was also an emotional decision. Russia once drew me in – and it still draws me in to this day.”

The news could have far-ranging repercussions for European football, amid jostling for managerial position at some of the world’s most prestigious clubs.

Hiddink’s Russian ties and reportedly friendly relations with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had turned him into the favourite of some British media to succeed the London club’s embattled coach Andre Villas-boas.

The Dutchman had managed Chelsea on an interim basis in 2009 and most recently stepped down as Turkey’s coach in November.

Hiddink said the club was committed to developing football in Dagestan.

“It is especially important for me that the club is building serious plans to develop football in the republic (of Dagestan) and this is no less important than what the first team achieves,” he said. — AFP