Walking away: Guus
Hiddink's contract as Turkey has been terminated
Guus Hiddink is contemplating a return to Chelsea
in move that could unsettle new boss Andre Villa-Boas after the
one-time FA Cup winning Blues manager revealed he would like to
come back to England.
The Dutchman has had his contract terminated by
the Turkish Football Federation after he failed to guide Turkey to
a play-off win over Croatia, missing out on qualification for next
summer's European Championship.
Turkey held Slaven Bilic's side to a 0-0 draw in
Zagreb on Tuesday night but their 3-0 defeat at home in Istanbul
last Friday proved costly - particularly for Hiddink.
A statement on the official TFF website read:
'Following the meeting between Turkish Football Federation
Executive Committee and Turkey head coach Guus Hiddink, the Dutch
coach's contract has been terminated by mutual consent.
'We would like to thank Mr Guus Hiddink for his
services during his working period, and wish him all the best in
his future career.'
The 65-year-old had been linked with return to
his homeland Holland in a director of football capacity at Ajax
before the Amsterdam giants turned to Louis van Gaal. But it is a
similar role at Stamford Bridge that Hiddink could turn to
instead.
Hiddink insists he will not rush his decision but
hinted a reunion with the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard
could be on the cards.
Silver service: Hiddink was a popular figure at
Chelsea, guiding the Blues to FA Cup success in 2009
'I’ve not made
up my mind about the future yet,' he said.
'I’m going to take some time off and then we will
see what happens, but I had a wonderful time in England.
'It was great at Chelsea, a terrific time, but
that doesn’t mean I am ready to start tomorrow. I need some time to
reflect.
Hiddink was popular figure at Chelsea when he
took over from Luiz Felipe Scolari on a caretaker basis in 2009 and
guided the club to FA Cup glory.
The players did not want him to leave before he
opted to resume his full-time role at the time with Russia and it
is understood he remains a close friend and confidant to owner
Roman Abramovich.
His possible return, however, could put pressure
on young Portuguese boss Villas-Boas who has seen his side lose
three league games so far this season, putting them nine points
behind leaders Manchester City in fourth place.
Look out: Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas
'I’m not ready to retire, I like to be involved
with a team on a daily basis,' Hiddink added.
'But maybe I am ready to step out of the
limelight a little bit, away from the cameras. Hopefully I will
still be involved but perhaps it will be as an adviser or a
consultant.'