Ivory Coast close on deal to appoint Hiddink

| Friday March 5, 2010 00:00

But Ivory Coach football association (FIF) president Jacques Anouma told BBC Sport: 'Guus is one of the people we have contacted about becoming coach.

'Probably in the middle of next week something will be concluded.'

The Ivorians are looking for a coach after dismissing Vahid Halilhodzic, whose future had been in question after his team were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

Several prospective candidates have been contacted as the Ivory Coast search for a successor.

Russia failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing a play-off against Slovenia and Hiddink would have to negotiate an early release from his contract if he was to coach the Ivorians.

Hiddink has coached the Netherlands, South Korea and Australia at previous World Cups - and has admitted the interest from the Ivorians.

The 63-year-old told reporters in Holland: 'I have some matters to resolve before I reach my decision.'

Anouma was speaking at Loftus Road after his team lost 2-0 in a friendly against South Korea.

Several high-profile coaches were in attendance, including former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

'Sven has not been contacted but there were a lot of coaches at Loftus Road for the match and some have contacted me,' added Anouma.

'Of the three of four in contention to become the next coach, Guus is the person we want but we are still talking to him.

'Talks are on going but nothing has been decided.'

Hiddink would only be available on a temporary basis before taking up his new role with Turkey, but Anouma said: 'After the World Cup we will look for a coach to take us to the Africa Cup of Nations but the priority is the tournament in South Africa.'

Anouma said that previous coaches had failed to get the best out of a generation of players widely regarded as the best in Ivory Coast's footballing history.

But he denied the influence of senior players such as Didier Drogba would influence the appointment of the new coach.Hiddink, who managed Drogba at Chelsea last season, has hinted that the striker had asked the Dutchman on behalf of the players to accept the invitation.

But Anouma said: 'The senior players have no influence on deciding who will become coach.'

Ivory Coast have been drawn in a group with Brazil, Portugal and North Korea at the World Cup and face a tough task to qualify. (BBC)