Guus Hiddink has opened the door to a possible return to the Premier League after revealing that he retains a strong appetite and passion for English football following his successful caretaker spell at Chelsea. The Russia manager plans to take a break after next year's World Cup finals but he described England as a "very attractive" place to work and admitted he is missing the country where he spent the final four months of last season.
The 62-year-old, who is back in Britain for Russia's World Cup qualifier against Wales at the Millennium Stadium tonight, enhanced his reputation during his sojourn at Chelsea, where his arrival rejuvenated the London club and culminated in victory in the FA Cup final over Everton. The period left an indelible mark on the Dutchman, who still marvels at the work ethic he observed in Frank Lampard and John Terry, two players whom he believes can lead England to World Cup glory next year.
After the finals in South Africa Hiddink intends to rest from football for a period but, providing he retains his hunger for the game, he envisages returning, with England a favourable destination. "I had a wonderful time there and before I worked for Chelsea I was often [watching] the Premier League," he said. "I love to be in England to smell the atmosphere. So, missing it? Of course missing it. But I love to work with the guys in Moscow as well."
Does that mean he has the appetite for a second stint in the Premier League? "Of course. England is very attractive. It's unique in that the level of competition is high. But I have to make a judgment whether I stop for a few months, or half a year or a year, or do something different within football. I don't know yet. I am ageing in our profession. But as long as football gives me the energy and I am not repeating myself – because that is a trap, being a long time in the business that you go on automatic pilot."
Not that there seems to be much need for Hiddink to change his formula. Success has generally followed him across the seven countries where he has managed either at club or international level. Along the way he has worked with some of the most talented footballers in the world but as he looks back on the 105 days that he spent at Stamford Bridge at Roman Abramovich's behest, there is a sense that few players have impressed him as much as Lampard and Terry.
"I loved to work with them every day," said Hiddink. "Sometimes I had to put a brake on them. It was impossible to put a bit in the mouth, like a horse. But every now and then you would have to protect them from themselves. They are key players for Chelsea and key players for the national team. England are depending a lot on them but it is encouraging that there are good young players coming up as well. The England squad is doing well. England are playing a modern way of football, very intelligent, smart and attractive. And I think they can go all the way in South Africa."
There was also an encouraging message for Chelsea fans as Hiddink, recalling the way in which the players responded to their controversial exit from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona in May, predicted that the squad would be galvanised rather than chastened by Fifa's decision to ban the club from making any signings until 2011 over the Gaël Kakuta affair. "I think the team will get even more energy out of this because they will react," said Hiddink.
"The team reacted wonderfully when we had some difficult times by being eliminated in the Champions League. For me, that was such a tremendous reaction. You get your revenge not by starting to cry but to get more energy out of it, like when we played against Arsenal [and won 4-1]. It was a beautiful reaction from the team. So energetic, so full of power; mental power. And there will be a new determination now."
