Hiddink dispels retirement talk

Turkey coach Guus Hiddink insists he has no plans to retire from football should his side fail to qualify for Euro 2012 against Croatia.

Turkey lost their first-leg playoff against Croatia 3-0 in Istanbul last week and face a colossal task to overturn that deficit in Tuesday’s return leg in Zagreb.

Reports have suggested Hiddink could be forced to step down from his post by the Turkish FA if his side fail to qualify for next year’s finals in Poland and Ukraine.

However, the Dutchman says he has a future in management irrespective of what happens at Maksimir stadium.

“I will speak with the Turkish Football Federation after the return leg and we will see what is the best solution for everyone,” Hiddink told reporters.

“At the age of 65 it’s kind of difficult to go back in time, be 30 years younger and start a new career, but I have no plans to retire from coaching just yet because I still feel good working with young players eager to learn.”

“It’s a pity some of these young Turkish players will in all likelihood not see the big stage in Euro 2012 because it would be a great platform to build on, but we will try to do the unthinkable tomorrow.”