Russian soccer official hits out at Hiddink job-share story

MOSCOW, March 30 (RIA Novosti) - A top Russian soccer official has said that a British paper misinterpreted his views in an interview about the possibility of Guus Hiddink combining the post of Chelsea manager with that of Russia coach.

Under the headline "Russia happy for Guus Hiddink to stay on at Chelsea," the Guardian reported on Saturday that Alexei Sorokin said Russian soccer's governing body, the Russian Football Union (RFU), would be happy to consider the possibility of Hiddink combining the positions.

"We are comfortable with the situation." RFU general director Sorokin was quoted as saying.

Hiddink took over temporarily at Stamford Bridge in February on a contract due to expire at the end of May.

"All that I told the Guardian journalist was that, basically, problems should be resolved as they come up. If Chelsea approach us, we will discuss the issue. This does not mean at all that the decision would be a positive one for the English club," Sorokin told Sport Express.

"Besides, Hiddink himself has firmly said he is against any further combination of the posts. I also mentioned this, but this did not come out in the interview," Sorokin said.

Hiddink returned to Moscow last week for the first time since becoming Chelsea boss to oversee a 2-0 win over Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier.

Russia remain four points behind group leaders Germany with a game in hand. They travel to Lichtenstein on Wednesday, while Germany - who beat Lichtenstein on Saturday - face Wales in Cardiff.

The first-placed side in each of the nine European qualifying groups goes through to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, while the best eight second-placed sides play off for a spot at the tournament.