Chelsea have been granted permission by the Russian Football Union to approach Guus Hiddink about the vacant manager's job at Stamford Bridge.
The Londonders had earlier made a formal request to the Russians, it was reported, and have now confirmed their approach on their official website, with a stament that reads, "Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have officiallly approached the Russian Football Union (RFU) for permission to speak to Guus Hiddink to become the club's temporary coach until the end of the season while continuing to be in charge of the Russian national team.
"That permission has been granted and Chelsea would like to thank the RFU for their cooperation."
Hiddink had yesterday asserted that he had received no contact from Chelsea, and was concentrating on his work with the Russian national team, with whom he is currently in Turkey at a warm weather training camp.
Hiddink earlier told Reuters that it was due to the unique appeal of the west London club that he was even considering the offer, and asserted that he would continue his work with Russia.
"I must say that this is an exceptional situation. If it was any other club aside from Chelsea my answer would be a straight 'No'," he told the news agency.
"But Chelsea is different because I have good relations with the (club) owner. So I would like to help them (Chelsea) in this situation if I could.
"But this would only be for the next two or three months until the end of the season.
"Of course when Russia would play (World Cup qualifiers) I would go there to coach them during that (international window) as there won't be any (league) games during that time.
"I have already done that (combining two jobs) a couple of years ago when I was coaching Australia and PSV (Eindhoven), so I'm familiar with the situation and what it takes."
Despite his conviction that he can manage to fulfill both roles successfully, many Russian fans will have grave doubts about having a 'part-time' national coach, however good he is.
The Londonders had earlier made a formal request to the Russians, it was reported, and have now confirmed their approach on their official website, with a stament that reads, "Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have officiallly approached the Russian Football Union (RFU) for permission to speak to Guus Hiddink to become the club's temporary coach until the end of the season while continuing to be in charge of the Russian national team.
"That permission has been granted and Chelsea would like to thank the RFU for their cooperation."
Hiddink had yesterday asserted that he had received no contact from Chelsea, and was concentrating on his work with the Russian national team, with whom he is currently in Turkey at a warm weather training camp.
Hiddink earlier told Reuters that it was due to the unique appeal of the west London club that he was even considering the offer, and asserted that he would continue his work with Russia.
"I must say that this is an exceptional situation. If it was any other club aside from Chelsea my answer would be a straight 'No'," he told the news agency.
"But Chelsea is different because I have good relations with the (club) owner. So I would like to help them (Chelsea) in this situation if I could.
"But this would only be for the next two or three months until the end of the season.
"Of course when Russia would play (World Cup qualifiers) I would go there to coach them during that (international window) as there won't be any (league) games during that time.
"I have already done that (combining two jobs) a couple of years ago when I was coaching Australia and PSV (Eindhoven), so I'm familiar with the situation and what it takes."
Despite his conviction that he can manage to fulfill both roles successfully, many Russian fans will have grave doubts about having a 'part-time' national coach, however good he is.