England

Andrey Arshavin Scared Russia May Lose Guus Hiddink

The Russian playmaker voices his concerns over Hiddink's future Russian status.

Mar 7, 2009 1:43:31 PM

Euro 2008: Russia - Sweden, Arshavin (PA)

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Euro 2008: Russia - Sweden, Arshavin (PA)

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Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin has raised doubts over Guus Hiddink's future as coach of Russia as his Chelsea managerial career has started so well.

The Russian ace has had a positive start to his Arsenal career since he moved in January, but his national coach also moved to London to manage Chelsea until the end of the season and Arshavin has admitted he fears Hiddink will never coach the Russian national team again.

So far Chelsea have remained undefeated since Hiddink took over from Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was sacked earlier this year.

The 62-year-old's contract reportedly means he will take charge of the London club until the end of the season and then concentrate on getting Russia to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The former PSV Eindhoven manager has remained adamant that this is the case and that he will not sign a permanent deal with the Blues, but Arshavin remains unsure.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Arshavin said, "Everyone in the Russian national team loves him.

"Chelsea became stronger when they got him.

"I'm worried that if he gets results at Chelsea he will stay for more time and if Guus is gone, then Russia is gone as well I think."

In relation to his own career, Arshavin admits that he has taken time to adapt to English football, and has had a slow start to his career with the Gunners.

"When you see the Premier League on TV there is a big difference to when you play. I need time, but I understand that we don't have time now because we need results."

The 27-year-old was instrumental in Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night, and the little Russian playmaker admits that he is happy to play in the unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation that Arsene Wenger plays him in, rather than Hiddink's 4-3-3.

"I think it depends upon the formation - if it's 4-4-2 I prefer to play as a second striker. If its 4-3-3 I like to play as a right winger."

The former Zenit St. Petersburg player moved to the north London club during the January transfer window and may take advantage of the current injury crisis at Emirates Stadium to stake a regular place in Wenger's first team - except for Champions League matches, from which he is excluded this seaon..

Nick Turner, Goal.com

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