Advocaat Hints At National Job But Coy On Socceroos
The Age
Friday August 17, 2007
DICK Advocaat, the man most likely to take the reins of the Socceroos later this year, has revealed his desire to return to the international coaching ranks, but he will not consult associate and countryman Guus Hiddink for advice about the Australian job.
Speaking from Bratislava ahead of the UEFA Cup tie between his Russian side, Zenit St Petersburg, and Slovakian club FC Vion, Advocaat was evasive when asked whether he had finalised a deal to coach the Socceroos. He did, however, state that a return to the international ranks was on the cards, and he would not seek Hiddink's insights from last year's World Cup. "I haven't asked Guus anything," Advocaat said. "Why would I? It is a decision for me to make. I am still to make that decision. I don't know what will happen. At the end of my current contract, I will either re-sign with the club I am working with now, or I will take an international assignment. I am not thinking about other clubs." Whether Advocaat's uncertainty was genuine, or merely an attempt to defuse a potentially difficult situation with his employers at Zenit, is uncertain, although Football Federation Australia insiders suggest the deal is effectively complete. It is expected the Dutchman will announce his move to Australia at the conclusion of the Russian season, and will lead Australia for its first attempt at World Cup qualification through Asia next February. Advocaat refused to discuss the manner in which he was approached by FFA, whether terms had been settled upon or, indeed, if he had signed a contract. "The little general" was also coy when asked his thoughts on the Socceroos under Hiddink and Graham Arnold. "It is inappropriate for me to comment about such things," Advocaat said. "Now is not the time." He did, however, suggest that more than one national association had approached him. "When your contract finishes, there are always rumours," he said. "But I cannot tell you exactly what those are, because it is difficult for me to speak about them right now. At the end of Zenit's season, I will have more to say." Advocaat's resume makes for impressive reading and in many ways mirrors that of Hiddink. Like Hiddink, Advocaat has coached Holland and South Korea, as well as high-profile Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. Advocaat has also managed Scottish giants Rangers, with whom he achieved great success in his first two seasons as manager. His coaching career has not been without controversy, most notably when he was at the helm of the Dutch national side during Euro 2004. Despite reaching the semi-finals, Holland's tactics were criticised by Dutch media and several players. Advocaat eventually quit. In recent years, the Dutchman has quit two coaching roles less than six months after signing on, but results have been kinder with his current club. Zenit is in second place on the Russian league table and is performing strongly in the second half of the season. A recent report suggested that Advocaat would only consider a return to the club if it finished atop the league at season's end. "I will decide that after my contract," he said. "There are many things to consider."
© 2007 The Age