By FRANCO PANIZO
One of the world's best coaches is now fair game.
Guus Hiddink has confirmed his departure as head coach of the Russian national team when his contract expires on June 30.
A number of suitors have already expressed their interest in Hiddink, and among them are Juventus and Liverpool. Hiddink was recently reported as being interested in taking the Nigerian national team head coaching job in time for this summer's World Cup.
Having led Russia to the semifinals of the 2008 European Championship, Hiddink failed to guide the Russians to the World Cup, falling to Slovenia in a two-game playoff.
Here are some other stories from Saturday:
Domenech hands lifeline to Vieira
France national team head coach Raymond Domenech has given midfielder Patrick Vieira a big incentive if he can keep his role in Manchester City's first team.
Domenech has told Vieira he will captain France through the summer's World Cup as long as he continues to see the field for the Citizens. Vieira made his Manchester City debut on Feb. 6, and has played in both of the club's matches since then.
Rolfe hits game-winner in Aalborg friendly
Chris Rolfe's quest for a starting spot in Aalborg BK's starting eleven took a positive step forward on Saturday, as he netted the winning goal in Aalborg's 4-1 midseason friendly over AGF Aarhus. Rolfe started and went the distance in the victory.
Rolfe's American teammate, Marcus Tracy, did not play in the friendly due to injury, while Aarhus midfielder Benny Feilhaber started and played 63 minutes.
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Where do you think Hiddink should go next? Do you see Vieira as captain of France this summer? Will you be keeping a close eye on Rolfe over the next few months?
Share your thoughts below.
Plus, the U.S.A. is on the rise right now, WITHOUT HIDDINK!
First time ever 11 starters ply their trade in Europe. Some due to Bob Bradley’s encouragment. Eat it Wanna-be-EuroSnobs
Go Get Em Alexandria!
Damn Euro Soccer Snobs…except they aren’t even European…DAMN SELF HATING POOR SOCCER PLAYING SOCCER FAKE EURO SOCCER SNOBS!!
We all can’t be fans of the USMNT.
True, Go Yanks.
Hiddink set out to do a job with a quality team and failed. Bob Bradley set out to do a job with a less quality team and passed with gold stars.
If Bob is doing well, why would you bring someone else in?
Close minded fool, I ought to !@#$%^&*(
Footballer81, you are a pompous prick.
Please DON’T keep posting your garbage comments.
I don’t believe that many here are calling for Heddink to replace Bradley BEFORE the World Cup. But come Aug. if Heddink is still available the USSF would be insane if they didn’t at least try and bring him afterwards.
Getting rid of Gulati? 🙂
Yeah, I think what he accomplished with Australia and South Korea does make him a bit more impressive. Look at how these teams did outside of their region in the WC with Guus. The US has Guus and the Koreans to thank for helping them move through to the second round despite losing to Poland. Like I said earlier, I’m not arguing for the USSF to fire Bradley and hire Guus, but its laughable to downplay what he has accomplished and even to compare his versus Bradley’s resume.
Does that invalidate their success?
Should Native Americans winning Olympic medals not count for the US?
Should the US gymnastics program turn over whatever medals the gymnasts who were trained by Rumanian Bela Karoli won to Rumania?
Should the USMNT results in the 1994 World Cup be invalidated because they were led by Bora Mulitinovic and featured people like Thomas Dooley, Roy Wegerle and Earnie Stewart?
Are you saying it is imperative for US Soccer as in the USSF (so they won’t hire him) or are you saying it is imperative for US Soccer as in what you think (so they shouldn’t hire him).
I have no idea about the first (some source would be nice) and strongly disagree with the second — surely winning a World Cup medal will do more for the sport than not winning one with an American coach.
Domenech promising captaincy to someone who should not even make the pitch? Just one more reason why France will continue to disappoint with such a terrible coach.
It is imperative to establish a proper culture and tradition for the sport in the States.
Hiddink should go to Liverpool. Then he should go to the U.S.A.