Guus Hiddink Hired as Anzhi Makhachkala Manager, Dutch Coach to Guide Mega-Rich Russian Club

by Nick Ironside on Fri, Feb 17, 2012 at 3:42PM

Guus Hiddink will lead Russia's richest team, Anzhi Makhachkala, after he was hired as its new manager on Friday. ESPN reports that Anzhi Makhachkala signed Hiddink to an 18-month deal.

The 65-year-old is excited for his new role, and spoke about the hiring on Anzhi's website.

"I am glad to have been given this opportunity," Hiddink said. "What is especially important to me is that the club has major plans to develop football in the country."

Hiddink left his previous job as manager of Turkey's national team three months ago. The Dutchman has been linked with similar positions at leading teams around Europe, such as Chelsea FC, PSV Eindhoven and England's national team.

Hiddink decided to join the Russian club even though its previous manager, Yuri Krasnozhan, resigned before managing one competitive game.

Hiddink, who once was manager of the Russian national team, will now try to help his new squad push for a UEFA Europa League spot. Anzhi is currently seventh in the Russian Premier League standings, just three points behind fifth-place FK Rubin Kazan.

Some of the big-name players Anzhi has lured to Russia include Samuel Eto'o, Roberto Carlos and Yuri Zhirkov.