Former Turkey and Russia manager Guus Hiddink has signed a lucrative contract with Anzhi Makhachkala, becoming the latest global name the newly filthy-rich club from Dagestan has landed.
Moscow / NationalTurk – Guus Hiddink and Anzhi signed a contract, an 18-month deal reportedly worth at least 10 million Euros a year, which will make the 65-year-old Dutch trainer and journeyman the world’s highest-earning football manager only rivaling Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.
Guus Hiddink’s role at Anzhi Makhachkala has resemblances to that of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, as Guus Hiddink would have full control over club transfers like a general manager has, a rarity in Russian football.
Guus Hiddink takes over at mega-rich Russian side Anzhi
Anzhi Makhachkala’s multimillionaire owner Suleiman Kerimov fired Hiddink’s antecedent Yuri Krasnozhan last week. The former Lokomotiv Moscow manager’s stint at Anzhi lasted only two months, before he could train Anzhi in a competitive game, since the 2012 season in Russia has not started yet.
Hiddink has been out of football since failing to guide Turkey National Team to Euro 2012. However Guus Hiddink and Anzhi have been reportedly negotiating since December, with the Dutchman’s insistence that the Dagestani club build a youth academy a sticking point.
Chelsea boss Villas-Boas breaths easier after Hiddink Anzhi team up
The Dutchman’s appointment eases the pressure on Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas whose position is reportedly under threat.
The announcement also delivers a snub to ex-England manager Fabio Capello who was in the frame for the job at the wealthy Russian club, as Fabio Capello had been linked with the vacant post at Anzhi Makhachkala since resigning as England coach earlier this month.
Suleiman Kerimov, the Dagestan-born businessman has shelled out world record wages for the acquisitions to Anzhi, paying Eto’o a reported 20 million euros a year and high amount for 39 years old Brasilian left back Roberto Carlos.
Kerimov is notorious for wanting quick success and fired the first coach he appointed, Gadzhi Gadzhiev, in September despite his anchoring Anzhi Makhachkala in mid-table, far above any previous achievements.
Guus Hiddink will be expected to secure some form of European qualification for Anzhi, currently in seventh and 13 points off Zenit St. Petersburg’s lead. However the lack of a proper club foundation seems to be a hindrance in Hiddink’s way.
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