Guus Hiddink returns to club role at big spenders Anzhi Makhachkala

Guus Hiddink has been confirmed as the new manager of Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Dutchman, linked with a return to Chelsea recently, reportedly beat former England manager Fabio Capello to take the role at the big spending Russian club from the Republic of Dagestan.

Hiddink has signed a one-and-half-year contract with the club bankrolled by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov. Former Brazilian international Roberto Carlos, Russian international Yuri Zhirkov and four-time African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o have been attracted to Anzhi by Kerimov. Hiddink will be familiar with Roberto Carlos after working with the Brazilian during his spell as Real Madrid manager over a decade ago.

Guus Hiddink will be joined at Anzhi by former Utrecht coach Ton Du Chatinier and ex-PSV Eindhoven player Zeljko Petrovic with the duo largely responsibility for training.

The new role will be the first permanent club position in six years for Hiddink following a second spell as PSV manager. Hiddink quit his last international role as Turkey boss, following their failure to qualify for this summer's European Championship.

In a statement on the club official website (fc-anji.ru), Hiddink said: "At the end of last year we had long discussions with Anzhi and that's why I have now made a prompt decision.

"I'm glad to accept such an opportunity, to work not only with the football team but also with my friends who invited me here.

"The most significant thing for me is that the club is building plans on football development in the republic.

"It's just as important as the sporting results of the first team, and I'm going to pay special attention to this direction.

"We spoke a lot with [club owner] Suleiman Kerimov about this, after which I understood what a huge project I was invited to.

"I know about the ambitions of the stockholder, the club, fans - now it's known to the whole world. I'll do my best so that the team's play will satisfy these ambitions."

Hiddink's first fixture in charge will be the game against Dynamo Moscow on March 5th as the Russian Premier League resumes following the winter break.

@Majid_Mohamed