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Turkey's Guus Hiddink insists he has no plans to retire as he prepares for Euro 2012 play-off against Croatia
The Dutchman has watered-down claims he could quit the game if his side fail to make it to Poland and Ukraine next year
14 Nov 2011 23:46:00
By Salvatore Landolina
Getty
Turkey coach Guus Hiddink insists he has no plans to retire from football should his side fail to qualify for Euro 2012 against Croatia.
It seems like the inevitable will happen after Turkey lost the first-leg play-off 3-0 in Istanbul last week.
Reports have suggested Hiddink could be forced to step down from his post by the Turkish FA after Tuesday's second-leg clash if they miss their chance to sneak a spot at Poland and Ukraine next year.
However, the Dutchman is defiant he will not wave goodbye to the game regardless of what happens at the Maksimir stadium.
"I will speak with the Turkish Football Federation after the return leg and we will see what is the best solution for everyone," Hiddink told the press when quizzed as to whether the game would be his final in charge.
"At the age of 65 it's kind of difficult to go back in time, be 30 years younger and start a new career, but I have no plans to retire from coaching just yet because I still feel good working with young players eager to learn.
"It's a pity some of these young Turkish players will in all likelihood not see the big stage in Euro 2012 because it would be a great platform to build on, but we will try to do the unthinkable tomorrow."
Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel is likely to be replaced for the game following his mistake that led to Croatia's first goal last week.
Kick-off is at 20.05CET.
How do you stay up with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com –your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Bet: | Returns: | Turkey £25.00 | Draw £33.00 | Ukraine £25.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Turkey £25.00 | Draw £31.00 | Ukraine £25.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Turkey £26.00 | Draw £32.00 | Ukraine £26.00 |
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It seems like the inevitable will happen after Turkey lost the first-leg play-off 3-0 in Istanbul last week.
Reports have suggested Hiddink could be forced to step down from his post by the Turkish FA after Tuesday's second-leg clash if they miss their chance to sneak a spot at Poland and Ukraine next year.
However, the Dutchman is defiant he will not wave goodbye to the game regardless of what happens at the Maksimir stadium.
"I will speak with the Turkish Football Federation after the return leg and we will see what is the best solution for everyone," Hiddink told the press when quizzed as to whether the game would be his final in charge.
"At the age of 65 it's kind of difficult to go back in time, be 30 years younger and start a new career, but I have no plans to retire from coaching just yet because I still feel good working with young players eager to learn.
"It's a pity some of these young Turkish players will in all likelihood not see the big stage in Euro 2012 because it would be a great platform to build on, but we will try to do the unthinkable tomorrow."
Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel is likely to be replaced for the game following his mistake that led to Croatia's first goal last week.
Kick-off is at 20.05CET.
How do you stay up with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com –your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
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Make Your Prediction
Turkey - Ukraine
Turkey
Ukraine
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Turkey 3-1 Ukraine
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Turkey 2-1 Ukraine
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Turkey 0-0 Ukraine
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21:50 BST -
And here are some quotes from today's goalscorer, Danny Welbeck: "It's still the same, me and Ashley [Young] playing together.
"We know each other's games and obviously we're training with each other day in and day out.
"So, it was really good to start up top with him."
"We know each other's games and obviously we're training with each other day in and day out.
"So, it was really good to start up top with him."
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