
Russia can approach Euro 2008 in a confident frame of mind as in Guus Hiddink they possess one of the most sought-after coaches in the world.
The 61-year-old Dutchman believes Russia has a realistic chance of advancing to the knockout stages after being drawn in Group D along with reigning champions Greece, perennial under-achievers Spain and Sweden.
Impressive credentials
Hiddink was a moderate player but has since accrued an impressive set of trophies as manager with a variety of clubs. He guided PSV Eindhoven to six Dutch titles and four national cups along with the Dutch Supercup in 2003. He won the European Cup with PSV Eindhoven in 1988 and the Intercontinental Cup in 1998. He led the Netherlands to the 1998 World Cup semi-finals before even more astonishingly repeating the feat with co-hosts South Korea in 2002. The Dutchman also guided Australia into the last 16 at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Hiddink became the eighth national coach of Russia and the first-ever foreign manager of the country8217;s national side. 8220;I8217;m an ambitious coach and I want to be successful here in Russia,8221; Hiddink declared soon after taking over. Hiddink confirmed his words and gave further proof of his reputation as a lucky coach, taking Russia into the Euro-2008 finals, finishing second in Group E 8212; one point ahead of England.
8220;I took over the Russian team to win,8221; Hiddink said. 8220;Of course I can be flexible but I will do it my way. I came here to be in charge and not to follow anybody8217;s instructions.8221;