Soccer Team Faces Distractions Going Into Netherlands Friendly
The Russian soccer coach Guus Hiddink and the Russian players may have some other things on their minds while preparing for their friendly match against the Dutch.
The timing of the match itself is not good, as the Russian season does not start until March 10th and the players have just started their pre-season fitness preparations. Other players have UEFA Cup action on their minds. In addition, 9 of the players in the Russian squad have from one of the two UEFA Cup contenders. Both of those clubs played recently at the First Channel Cup in Israel, but the Russian coaching staff were not there to watch their form.
Some thought that up and coming player Aleksandr Kerzhakov’s move to the Sevilla FC would have been enough to give him a chance to crack the national team, but the coach is sticking to the veteran players for this match.
Hiddink is also on trial in the Netherlands for tax evasion for claiming he lives in Belgium to avoid paying Dutch taxes. A verdict is to be determined by February 27th, but in the meantime, some see the issue as one that could be preoccupying the coach’s thoughts.
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