Guus Hiddink resigns as Anzhi coachJuly 22, 2013 - 21:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Dutchman Guus Hiddink on Monday, July 22 resigned as coach of wealthy Russian football team Anzhi Makhachkala after a year and a half on the job, the team said, according to RIA Novosti. Hiddink, 66, leaves just two games into the new Russian Premier League season, of which Anzhi drew one and lost the other. "This decision was not easy for me, but I've always said that my mission at Anzhi could end when the team is able to develop and continue to grow by itself, without my participation," Hiddink was quoted as saying on the Anzhi website. "Now that time has come. I am convinced that a great future awaits the team, and I am happy that I was a part of this vast football project." Since signing for Anzhi in February 2012, Hiddink played a key role in converting billionaire owner Suleiman Kerimov's wealth into success on the pitch, combining stars such as three-time Champions League winner Samuel Eto'o with a large share of developing talent including many up-and-coming Russian players. Hiddink took Anzhi to a team-record third-place finish in the league last season, as well as the Russian Cup final and a strong run in the Europa League. He will be replaced by his former assistant and fellow Dutchman Rene Meuleensten, once part of Sir Alex Ferguson's coaching team at Manchester United, who only joined Anzhi on July 1. Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. Mkhitaryan raises arrest of former Karabakh leaders in Azerbaijan Inter Milan star Henrikh Mkhitaryan has shared a news story about the extension of the arrest of former Karabakh leaders. |