Advocaat dismisses Russia link

Dick Advocaat has dismissed speculation he is set to take over from Guus Hiddink as coach of the Russian national team.

Hiddink is combining his new role as Chelsea’s interim boss with his position as coach of Russia, and after a successful start to his tenure in London, rumours of a permanent move to Stamford Bridge have emerged.

Chelsea and Hiddink have insisted the arrangement will last only until the end of the season, when Hiddink will revert to full-time duties with Russia.

Reports have claimed Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich, who has a financial involvement in his country’s national federation, has targeted Zenit St Petersburg boss Advocaat as a replacement for fellow Dutchman Hiddink as Russia coach.

However, Advocaat today moved to distance himself from the speculation.

He said: “I just heard about this 10 minutes ago but I know nothing about the Russia job.

“Anyway, I never speak about a job that is occupied.Guus is the coach of Russia at the moment and he is doing well.

“So I want people to keep me out of it.

“I am happy with Zenit. I have a contract with the club until the end of the season and so I don’t like what I have heard.

“I must stress that this speculation has not come from my side.”

Advocaat won the Russian league with Zenit in 2007 and the UEFA Cup the following year when his team beat his former club Rangers in the final at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Advocaat’s stock rose further when Zenit beat Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup in Monaco last August.