Abramovich's buddy ready to bridge the gap from Russia with love

Simon Johnson13 April 2012

The close relationship Roman Abramovich has enjoyed with Guus Hiddink has always posed the question of when, rather than if, the Dutchman would ever take over at Stamford Bridge.

That question was answered this afternoon, when Hiddink confirmed he has opened talks with Chelsea over taking charge for the rest of the season.

The 62-year-old admitted the only reason he is prepared to entertain the idea of taking the role, which would be combined with his job as Russia coach, is because of his bond with the multi-billionaire. It was with the help of Abramovich's financial backing that Russia were able to lure him to become their national coach in 2006 and they have already been well rewarded by reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2008.

This is not the first time Abramovich has turned to his friend for advice, although their initial contact was purely on how to improve the state of Russian football at international level.

The duo have been in contact since 2005, when Hiddink was impressing as manager of PSV Eindhoven, and it was no surprise that he ended up getting the national job.

As the former Real Madrid coach revealed in a column for Dutch newspaper Der Telegraaf two years ago, he said: "I met him five times. Four times in London and once secretly at the PSV training complex.

"What struck me about Abramovich was his supportive way of thinking. He is not the type to demand things but he is interested in how you would do things. The more clarity you can give him, the more he appreciates that. And despite his enormous wealth, he will never abuse his position or status.

"He is a very relaxed man, highly committed in sports in general and football in particular. But he is not so much interested in the technicalities of the execution. He is mainly interested in how to transform resources into action."

How to spring Chelsea back into action is at the forefront of Abramovich's mind right now and he knows that Hiddink has a record for getting great results against the odds.

He led Holland and South Korea to fourth place in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups respectively, while in 2006 took Australia to the last 16.

With his current team, he not only beat England on the way to qualifying for Euro 2008, but also took them to the semi-finals. They are also on course to make the next World Cup in South Africa as they trail the leaders in their group, Germany, by just four points and have a game in hand.

Hiddink has proved he is a tough man-manager in the dressing room and demands instant respect from his players.

The suspicion is too many members of the Chelsea squad have become too powerful and have a massive influence on team affairs and Hiddink won't tolerate any players, no matter who they are, running interference. Edgar Davids was thrown out of his Dutch squad at Euro '96 after he started causing problems even though he was a player of some standing.

Crucially, it seems Abramovich may be prepared to be patient with Hiddink.

When his Russia were thumped by England 3-0 at Wembley in September 2007, Hiddink revealed: "I did get a very nice text message after the match against England. We lost 3-0 in London, but his text said: "Don't worry, we have enjoyed the way we played."

The same cannot be said for Scolari's reign and Abramovich will be hoping Hiddink lives up to his nickname of 'the wizard' to turn the club's season and fortunes around.

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