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Saturday, 13 March 2010 17:17

Hiddink says no to Ivory Coast

Dutchman puts end to ongoing speculation

Ivory CoastThe “will he, won’t he” saga regarding whether or not Guus Hiddink will coach Ivory Coast in the World Cup has ended, with the well-respected manager stating he has decided against taking charge of the Elephants in South Africa.
 
The Ivorians have made little secret that Hiddink was their preferred choice, ever since sacking Vahid Halilhodzic following the team’s poor showing in the African Cup of Nations.
 
However, speaking to De Telegraaf in his native Holland, Hiddink explained that his commitment to Turkey makes it unfeasible to accept the invitation.
 
“If I had signed for Ivory Coast then I would have missed three friendly games organised by Turkey in May, and I don’t think that is something I should do.
 
“Although I had a great conversation with the president and chief executive of the Ivorian Federation, I myself had already decided not to go. It was a decision taken to avoid unnecessary confusion, although I must admit it was not easy.”
 
With Hiddink unavailable, Portugal’s first opponents in the 2010 World Cup are forced to look for an alternative. Former England coach Sven Goran Eriksson, Frenchman Philippe Troussier and Serbian Ratomir Dukovic are thought to be high on the shortlist.
 
by Tom Kundert
 
Comments (5)
Finally, some good news...
5 Sunday, 14 March 2010 00:50
Nathan/USA
I'm glad to hear that he won't be their coach. Honestly, the situation must be pretty unappealing because it's not like IC doesn't have a bunch of world class footballers. The off-field drama must be too much, who knows?
Ha!
4 Saturday, 13 March 2010 23:58
Fresh/Canada
That's a shame...
Hiddink is no fool
3 Saturday, 13 March 2010 22:28
Dan/EEUU
Apart from the paycheck this wasn't something that would have helped his rep much. You take a job like that & you've got to at least get out of the group & that's a 50-50 shot at best. He probably took a long hard look at that defense & figured Drogba couldn't score more goals than the defense can leak. On top of that, Hiddink is a total task master & 3 months isn't remotely enough time to instill anything on a set of players who you will only see twice before the tourney starts. The whole "missing friendlies" excuse is just a face saver for the sides involved
great news
2 Saturday, 13 March 2010 21:31
jon/usa
I was extremely upset with the possibilty of Hiddink becoming their coach so this is a relief. Cote Ivoire are having massive problems within their team as some players support Drogba and others support Toure. They were terrible in the african cup and were terrible against South Korea in their recent friendly.

They are the best African team by far on paper, but they have huge problems. I see a much more comfortable win for Portugal, but it still eon't be easy playing against players like Drogba.
first 3 points secured on the 15th of june!
1 Saturday, 13 March 2010 21:12
Monah/Lebanon
yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!we're gonna ride these elephants on the 15th of june!

We have to benefit from this fact that they did not find yet a coach!
And I just saw that Danny made a great come back and scored in the russian league and he was perfect!!
Forca Seleccao!

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