Drogba personally phones Hiddink to ask him to take over as manager
Published 11:55 23/02/10 By Paul Smith
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has begged Guus Hiddink to become his manager again this summer.
It’s not Chelsea though. The Blues striker wants Hiddink as Ivory Coast boss for the World Cup finals in South Africa.
Drogba, who had a strong bond with the Dutchman when they were together at Stamford Bridge, has contacted personally Hiddink.
Hiddink said: "It's true. I have the chance to take charge of Ivory Coast. Didier Drogba has asked me on behalf of the players. The board of the federation want it too.’’
Hiddink is flattered by Drogba's request. But the 63 year-old Dutchman went on: "I can’t decide right now yet. A lot has happened in the last few weeks."
Hiddink has agreed to take charge of Turkey from next season but is under contract with the Russia until mid-July, even though they failed to reach this summer's Finals.
He had a clash with Sergei Fursenko, the new Russian Football Federation supremo, before declining a renewed deal.
Hiddink went on: "I need to solve a few things step by step before I make a decision.’’
Clearly, if Hiddink is to be involved at the 2010 World Cup finals he will need the Russians to terminate his current contract and allow him time to work with his new charges.
