What next for Guus, the man who restored Chelsea’s faith?

Amongst all the controversy of the France and Republic of Ireland game this week, many people many have overlooked a shocking reality. Russia are not going to the World Cup.

Guus Hiddink’s side have established themselves as a threat in world football in recent years. With the Dutchman at the helm they were a constant thorn in the side of Steve McClaren’s England and progressed to a European Championship semi-final, only to lose to eventual winners Spain. The Russians lost on the away goals rule in a tie that will have gone against FIFA’s seeding system as Slovenia progressed with a 1-0 victory in Maribor on Wednesday night.

It will be the first time since 1998 that a Guus Hiddink side is not at the finals, as the Dutchman will not have the chance to improve on his already impressive record of leading the Netherlands and South Korea to semi –finals and Australia to the last 16.

So what next for Guus Hiddink? The Russian Football Association have offered him a further 2 years on his contract and the man is believed to have the full backing and confidence of the Russian players, however a dejected Hiddink is not racing into a decision. Should Hiddink decide not to continue his Russia post, there is the option of a return to club football.

Chelsea fans will tell you that whoever the seasoned Dutchman continues his managing career with should welcome Hiddink with open arms. You will struggle to find many people that hold a higher opinion of Hiddink than Chelsea fans as the man has a bit of a savoir reputation in West London. If it wasn’t for current manager Carlo Ancelotti experiencing such a successful start, you would be likely to hear many Chelsea fans calling for the Dutchman’s return.

Hiddink was installed as temporary Chelsea manager on the 11^th February of this year and enjoyed a successful spell at Stamford Bridge. Despite losing only once, winning the F.A Cup and reaching the semi-final’s of the Champions League (only to be knocked out by some criminal refereeing), Hiddink is more likely to be remembered and appreciated by Chelsea fans for rejuvenating the team. The Dutchman arrived to a Chelsea team in turmoil. Recently sacked coach Luis Felipe Scolari had experienced a terrible tenure at the club and Chelsea were left short of confidence and belief. However Hiddink’ team management, coupled with results helped change this. The side that played in games such as the 3-1 away win at Liverpool in the Champions League were a shadow of any Chelsea team that Scolari managed.

Hiddink’s record in management is impressive and the man is held in high regard over Europe. Only time will tell what move Hiddink will make, whether he will stay with his currently dejected Russia side or whether he will move on. A move to the Premier League should not be ruled out; the man himself was quick to point out how much he enjoyed his time in England. As a Chelsea fan myself, I would be happy to see Hiddink return to the Premiership, although I will obviously be wary of the threat in which his team will pose, it would be nice to see the man return, and you never know, maybe one day he will end up at Stamford Bridge.