Football News
Arshavin: Chelsea lucky to have Hiddink
Andrey Arshavin says new Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink will go out of his way to make sure there is no unrest in the dressing room. Arshavin has forged a close relationship with Hiddink since he took charge of Russia and has nothing but praise for the way he manages his players.
Arsenal's club record signing has already stressed his concerns over the possible departure of Hiddink from the national side and fears it could seriously affect their chances of reaching the World Cup in 2010.
Arshavin reveals the Russian players can always turn to Hiddink if the team are unhappy with anything and will never forget how he took their concerns into account as they were preparing for the European Championships last summer.
Arshavin said: "Hiddink and I struck up a personal relationship during summer training in Sochi when we were accommodated at a second-rate hotel.
"On behalf of a group of players, I approached him and asked him to move the team somewhere else.
"If we had had a Russian coach, he would have said 'Look, boys, I agree the conditions are a little lame, but let us pull ourselves together and forget them - our main aim is to play a good game with Macedonia'.
"But Hiddink at once requested better accommodation. By the way, I walked up to him and said: 'Back in the USSR.'
"Those were my only words. Hiddink had never lived in the Soviet Union, but saw at once what I meant. I am sure Guus Hiddink was our team's best player at Euro 2008."
Arshavin is preparing to make his debut for Arsenal against Sunderland on Saturday and is adamant he will not be afraid to speak his mind in the dressing room.
The Russian superstar was ineligible for the FA Cup fourth round replay against Cardiff, but has managed to build up his fitness and is raring to make his first appearance for the club.
Arshavin added: "There is one thing I am not afraid of - I like to speak my mind.
"It has made me enemies. Sometimes I find it hard to hide my dislike for certain people. It may be bad, but that's me.
"I try not to let down my fans, and my way of repaying their affection and support is to try to play as well as I can. I am better sometimes than at other times, but I am always honest.
"I hope Euro 2008 wasn't the best I have. I hope to give my best performances in this stadium. My message is: trust in me and trust in Arsenal."