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Guus Hiddink announces retirement

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Your job's safe from him, Rafa! Former Chelsea manager Hiddink announces plans to retire at end of Anzhi season

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UPDATED:

18:10 GMT, 27 November 2012

Former Holland and Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink says he plans to retire from management at the end of the season.

The 66-year-old has enjoyed a successful 30-year coaching career – the high point arguably coming when he led PSV Eindhoven to victory in the 1988 European Cup final – and is currently in charge of ambitious Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Dutchman has guided Anzhi into the last 32 of the Europa League while they are also on course to qualify for the Champions League via the Russian Premier League.

Still got it: Guus Hiddink has announced he will retire from football management at the end of the season

Still got it: Guus Hiddink has announced he will retire from football management at the end of the season

Hiddink’s talents appear to be far from waning, but he has revealed he is now keen to move into a supervisory role.

'It was not my intention to stay very long when I joined this club,' he told De Telegraaf.

'I’m basically going to stop at the end of the season. At 66 years old I think I’ve nearly had enough.

'I don’t know what I’ll do. Maybe I’ll be an advisor or supervisor to young players or coaches.

'I want to teach people how to handle certain issues in football or how they can plot their career path. That sounds interesting. I will not disappear into a black hole.'

Hiddink added: 'I get up every day with so much energy, but you have to be careful not to get into a routine.

'You have to be careful that people will think, “here he is again”.

'So Anzhi is basically the last team which I will coach.'

New challenge: Hiddink is in charge of Samuel Eto'o's side Anzhi Makhackhala

New challenge: Hiddink is in charge of Samuel Eto'o's side Anzhi Makhackhala

Hiddink shot to prominence by winning three Eredivisie titles, three Dutch Cups and the European Cup in his first stint as PSV coach between 1987 and 1990, before returning to the club in 2002 to win three further league titles.

He also took charge of Fenerbahce, Valencia, Real Madrid, Real Betis and Chelsea in a varied career, while also guiding the Dutch national team to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1998.

Hiddink led South Korea to fourth place at the 2002 World Cup before further successful stints in international football with Australia and Russia.

Hiddink agreed an 18-month deal to manage Anzhi in February this year.

Hiddink had a short but successful spell with Chelsea after the sacking of Felipe Scolari in 2009, and only lost once while in charge.

He won the FA Cup by beating Everton 2-1 at Wembley, and remains on good terms with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

The new Blues boss Rafa Benitez may be relieved to see the Dutchman retire, because Hiddink proved an immensely popular figure at Stamford Bridge, with both the fans and the players including Didier Drogba and John Terry.

Benitez was appointed last week after Roberto Di Matteo was sacked following a domestic slump and a poor performance in the Champions League, which he won with Chelsea last season.

New man in charge: Rafa Benitez recently took control of Chelsea following Roberto Di Matteo's sacking

New man in charge: Rafa Benitez recently took control of Chelsea following Roberto Di Matteo's sacking

Chelsea set to appoint new boss with Rafa Benitez in the frame to replace Roberto Di Matteo

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Chelsea on brink of naming new boss as Benitez prepares to jet in amid emergency meeting over Di Matteo successor

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UPDATED:

14:48 GMT, 21 November 2012

How Sportsmail's Neil Ashton led the way on Di Matteo's Chelsea sacking

Monday morning… Abramovich prepared to wheel axe if results don't improve

Tuesday night… Guardiola and Benitez in frame to replace Di Matteo

Chelsea are closing in on their new boss – with Rafa Benitez in the frame to replace sacked Roberto Di Matteo.

A dramatic day for Chelsea continues this afternoon with members of the board currently locked in an emergency meeting at Stamford Bridge to thrash out plans for the club’s future.

Roman Abramovich is desperate to land Pep Guardiola as the man to take over from Di Matteo – who he sacked at 4am this morning – but the former Barcelona boss is currently on a year’s sabbatical in New York and would need a ‘phenomenal’ offer to cut that year short.

Benitez, who was in Abu Dhabi this morning giving a scheduled talk at a coaching conference, is believed to be flying into Manchester tomorrow morning and could be used by Abramovich to fill the gap until the end of the season before Guardiola is ready to take the job on full-time.

Benitez told Sport360: 'I have just found out [about Di Matteo]. Obviously Chelsea is a top side and they can compete for trophies so it goes in this category.'

Scroll down for video

Who's next Guardiola and Benitez are in the frame to take the helm at Stamford Bridge

Who's next Guardiola and Benitez are in the frame to take the helm at Stamford Bridge

Latest betting on next Chelsea boss

8/13 Rafa Benitez

6/4 Pep Guardiola

8/1 Harry Redknapp

8/1 Steve Clarke

10/1 Larent Blanc

14/1 Jose Mourinho

16/1 Guus Hiddink

16/1 Fabio Capello

20/1 Gianfranco Zola

20/1 John Terry

20/1 Avram Grant

Asked if Chelsea had already made an
approach, he replied: 'You ask directly, I cannot answer directly. In
football a lot of people are talking so we will see what happens in the
next few days.

'I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies
and Chelsea is one of these clubs.'

Abramovich fired Di Matteo this morning after an 'unacceptable' run of results.

A Chelsea statement read: ‘Chelsea Football Club has parted company this morning with manager Roberto Di Matteo.

‘The team's recent performances and
results have not been good enough and the owner and the Board felt that a
change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction
as we head into a vitally important part of the season.

'The club faces a difficult task ahead
in qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as
well as maintaining a strong challenge for the top of the Premier League
while competing in three other cup competitions.

'Our aim is to remain
as competitive as possible and challenge strongly on all fronts.

'The owner and the Board would like to
thank Roberto for all he has done for the club since taking over in
March. Roberto helped guide us to an historic Champions League victory
and a seventh FA Cup.

'We will never forget the huge contribution he has
made to this club's history and he will always be welcome at Stamford
Bridge.

Game over: Di Matteo has been sacked, six months after landing the Champions League

Game over: Di Matteo has been sacked, six months after landing the Champions League

Taxi! Bookmakers Coral delivered this stunt outside Stamford Bridge after Di Matteo's exit

Taxi! Bookmakers Coral delivered this stunt outside Stamford Bridge after Di Matteo's exit

Chelsea statement on Di Matteo – in full

Chelsea Football Club has parted company this morning with Manager Roberto Di Matteo.

The team's recent performances and results have not been good enough and the owner and the Board felt that a change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction as we head into a vitally important part of the season.

The club faces a difficult task ahead in qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as well as maintaining a strong challenge for the top of the Premier League while competing in three other cup competitions. Our aim is to remain as competitive as possible and challenge strongly on all fronts.

The owner and the Board would like to thank Roberto for all he has done for the club since taking over in March. Roberto helped guide us to an historic Champions League victory and a seventh FA Cup. We will never forget the huge contribution he has made to this club's history and he will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge.

The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first team manager.

'The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first team manager.'

Chelsea owner Abramovich, furious with the club's disastrous Champions League
campaign, sacked him this morning just hours after their 3-0 defeat at
Juventus and training was cancelled for the day.

Di Matteo was informed of the decision
during an emergency 4am meeting at the club's Cobham training base,
just after the club had touched down back in England after the
hour-and-a-half flight from Italy.

Chelsea
executives met at an emergency meeting at Stamford Bridge at 9am this
morning after telling Di Matteo that his reign was over just six months
after he led them to glory in the European Cup.

Abramovich's No 1 target is former
Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, but the Blues owner needs to persuade him
to end his year-long sabbatical from football. If he fails in this bid, he will turn to Rafa Benitez to take the helm.

Guardiola is spending time in Manhattan with his family after four years in charge at the Nou Camp and is the Russian's top target to take over.

However, sources close to the 41-year-old say it will take a 'phenomenal' offer for the manager to change his mind.

It is understood Guardiola's advisers are willing to begin negotiations with prospective employers ahead of next season.

Discreet enquires from Chelsea, City and Milan have already taken place, with all three clubs keen to steal a march on their rivals in the race to land the talented manager.

Down and out Chelsea were soundly beaten by Juventus in the Champions League last night

Down and out Chelsea were soundly beaten by Juventus in the Champions League last night

Down and out Chelsea were soundly beaten by Juventus in the Champions League last night

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Benitez is understood to be willing
to take the job until the end of the season. This is despite turning
down a similar offer last season after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked.

The former Liverpool and Inter Milan boss is addressing a conference in Abu Dhabi today and is scheduled to fly back tomorrow.

Abramovich was furious that the team, who started the season with the chance to win seven trophies, are already in freefall.

Although he was prepared to overlook
the Community Shield defeat against Manchester City, he was furious with
the 4-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup.

Who's next The search now begins for a new manager

Who's next Guardiola and Benitez are in the frame to take the helm at Stamford Bridge

Abramovich’s circle made it clear that
they had to play seven games to 'qualify' for the Community shield and
that it should be treated seriously.

Likewise the 4-1 defeat against Atletico
in Monaco came after they won the Champions League final against Bayern
Munich and they wanted to win it.

Chelsea need a miracle to qualify from
Group E of the Champions League and are in danger of becoming the first
holders in the history of the competition to go out in the group phase.

They are four points behind this
weekend’s opponents Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League and
cannot afford another defeat after last week’s 2-1 loss at West
Bromwich.

Hero to zero: Just months after landing the club an FA Cup and Champions League double, Di Matteo is out

Hero to zero: Just months after landing the club an FA Cup and Champions League double, Di Matteo is out

Hero to zero: Just months after landing the club an FA Cup and Champions League double, Di Matteo is out

Di Matteo's 'unacceptable' run of results

October 23: Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Chelsea 1 (Champions League)

October 28: Chelsea 2 Manchester United 3 (Premier League)

October 31: Chelsea 5 Manchester United 4 (Capital One Cup)

November 3: Swansea 1 Chelsea 1 (Premier League)

November 7: Chelsea 3 Shakhtar Donetsk 2 (Champions League)

November 11: Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 (Premier League)

November 17: West Bromwich 2 Chelsea 1 (Premier League)

November 20: Juventus 3 Chelsea 0 (Champions League)

Eight managers, ten trophies, one billion pounds…

Claudio Ranieri (September 2000 to May 2004 – Abaramovich bought the club in June 2003)

Jose Mourinho (June 2004 – September 2007)

Avram Grant (September 2007 – May 2008)

Felipe Scolari (July 2008 – February 2009)

Guus Hiddink (February 2009 – May 2009)

Carlo Ancelotti (June 2009 – May 2011)

Andre Villas-Boas (June 2011 – March 2012)

Roberto Di Matteo (March 2012 – November 2012)

VIDEO: Di Matteo accepts full responsibility for the loss to Juventus after the match

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Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez will not travel to Russia with Liverpool

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Rodgers to leave Gerrard and Suarez at home for tricky Euro trip to Russia

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UPDATED:

10:25 GMT, 6 November 2012

Captain Steven Gerrard and top scorer Luis Suarez look likely to stay behind when Liverpool travel to Moscow for Europa League action this week.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is considering leaving the pair out of his squad for Thursday’s Europa League tie against Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia.

Rodgers is looking to rest Gerrard and Suarez with an eye on the weekend clash with European champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Main man: Luis Suarez had been in scintillating form for Liverpool

Main man: Luis Suarez had been in scintillating form for Liverpool

Liverpool lead their Europa League group following a 1-0 victory over Guus Hiddink’s Anzhi team at Anfield last month and victory in Moscow’s Lokomotiv Stadium this week would virtually secure knockout qualification.

The game has been switched to the Russia capital because of security issues in Anzhi’s home region of Dagestan and one man who could play is midfielder Joe Cole.

Cole has struggled to impress Rodgers since he took over from Kenny Dalglish and Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has urged the former England international to quit Anfield and return to Lille where he spent last season on loan.

The former Chelsea and West Ham midfielder has become a target of criticism on Merseyside. After last week’s Capital One Cup exit to Swansea, in which Cole did play, one fan tweeted Cole should be replaced by an 'upside-down shopping trolley’.

Staying at home: Steven Gerrard will miss Liverpool's trip to Russia

Staying at home: Steven Gerrard will miss Liverpool's trip to Russia

Former Lille favourite Cabaye, who scored against Liverpool on Sunday, said: 'It is not easy for him because he does not play much. It worked well for him at Lille and maybe would be a good idea for him to return there.

'The club, the coach, the fans love him at Lille. I’ve heard that Rudi Garcia would be interested to have him back.’

Liverpool 1 Anzhi 0: Match report

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Liverpool 1 Anzhi 0: Downing gem lifts Anfield as winger boosts Reds' hopes after Rodgers calls on big guns

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UPDATED:

20:56 GMT, 25 October 2012

Stewart Downing's third goal in a Liverpool shirt was enough to seal a crucial win against super-rich Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala at Anfield.

In a tense affair on Merseyside it took a searing right-footed Downing strike in the 53rd minute to see off Guus Hiddink's side.

The Reds unsuccessfully went in search of a second goal as the Russian outfit – including ex-Barcelona hitman Samuel Eto'o and former Blackburn defender Christopher Samba – failed to snatch an equaliser.

Come here you! Stewart Downing scored a crucial goal for Liverpool just in the 53rd minute

Come here you! Stewart Downing scored a crucial goal for Liverpool just in the 53rd minute

MATCH FACTS

Liverpool: Jones, Johnson (Sterling 46), Agger, Skrtel, Wisdom, Sahin, Gerrard, Downing, Shelvey (Allen 80), Suarez, Assaidi

Subs not used: Gulacsi, Carragher, Henderson, Suso, Yesil

Booked: Agger, Suarez

Goal: Downing 53

Anzhi Makhachkala: Gabulov, Samba, Carlos, Boussoufa (Lakhiyalov 77), Agalarov (Logashov 61), Shatov, Gonzalez, Zhirkov, Gabulov, Eto'o, Smolov (Traore 64)

Subs not used: Pomazan, Gadzhibekov, Tagirbekov, Mukhammad

Booked: Samba, Agalarov

Referee: Nijhuis

Attendance: 39,358

Click here for the latest Europa League fixtures, tables and results

More to follow.

No Glen Johnson appealed for a penalty in the first half, to no avail

No Glen Johnson appealed for a penalty in the first half, to no avail

Full strength: Luis Suarez (right) and Steven Gerrard played despite Liverpool having their Merseyside derby at the weekend

Full strength: Luis Suarez (right) and Steven Gerrard played despite Liverpool having their Merseyside derby at the weekend

Welcome back: Former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink returned as Anzhi's head coach

Welcome back: Former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink returned as Anzhi's head coach

Dogged: Jonjo Shelvey deputised for Liverpool in centre midfield

Dogged: Jonjo Shelvey deputised for Liverpool in centre midfield

Remember me Samuel Eto'o skips past Gerrard during the clash

Remember me Samuel Eto'o skips past Gerrard during the clash

Young blood: The likes of Oussama Assaidi (right) and Raheem Sterling were selected again by Brendan Rodgers

Young blood: The likes of Oussama Assaidi (right) and Raheem Sterling were selected again by Brendan Rodgers

Piecing it together: Rodgers gives some instructions from the sidelines at Anfield

Piecing it together: Rodgers gives some instructions from the sidelines at Anfield

Anzhi Makhachkala – who are the team facing Liverpool

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Just who are Anzhi Makhachkala The extraordinary story of the billionaire Russians hoping to topple Liverpool

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UPDATED:

16:03 GMT, 24 October 2012

The Russian Republic of Dagestan, with its mountainous terrain, has been a place of sanctuary for people of all ethnicities and backgrounds over the centuries. And this remains as true today as ever.

But while it was once impoverished nomads and refugees who settled there, it is now more likely to be multi-millionaire young men playing football.

The region’s football side, Anzhi Makhachkala, are in the throes of a new Russian Revolution, one which their oligarch owners hope will deliver them to the summit of not only the national, but the European, game.

Big names: Guus Hiddink and Roberto Carlos have been enticed to Anzhi as manager and technical director respectively

Big names: Guus Hiddink and Roberto Carlos have been enticed to Anzhi as manager and technical director respectively

Destination Dagestan: Samuel Eto'o signed for Anzhi from Inter Milan and reportedly earns 350,000 a week at the Russian club

Destination Dagestan: Samuel Eto'o signed for Anzhi from Inter Milan and reportedly earns 350,000 a week at the Russian club

In the next two weeks, Liverpool will find out first-hand how far they’ve come. This is a Europa League double-header with much more than first meets the eye.

The story of Anzhi is one of eye-watering quantities of money being thrown at a club who three years ago languished in the second division, and of enticing star quality names like Samuel Eto’o, Roberto Carlos and Yuri Zhirkov to come and play in one of the most volatile and hostile regions on earth.

Dagestan is a place where mafia gangs control billion-dollar industries like oil, gold and potash (not to mention caviar from the Caspian Sea), where kidnapping, bombings, violence, threats and intimidation are commonplace, and where everyone owns a gun.

Yet amidst the killings, the lawlessness and a separatist struggle with Moscow, local billionaire Suleyman Kerimov is trying to build an all-conquering team from absolutely nothing.

Money man: Oligarch Suleyman Kerimov is bankrolling Anzhi's bid to conquer Russia and Europe

Money man: Oligarch Suleyman Kerimov is bankrolling Anzhi's bid to conquer Russia and Europe

Liverpool will not see any of Dagestan’s turmoil as the away group stage tie, on November 8, will be played at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Moscow, 1600km to the north, due to UEFA’s enduring ban on European games being played in Makhachkala.

It is one of the many curiosities of the Anzhi story that this will actually be a ‘local’ match for the players and their well-regarded coach Guus Hiddink. They live and train just outside of Moscow, flying first-class to all their domestic home matches at the rickety, Soviet-era Dynamo Stadium.

The squad cover nearly 50,000 miles a season just to fulfil their home fixtures.

It ensures a plush, pampered and most importantly safe lifestyle for players like Eto’o, who at 30 might be accused at playing at a standard beneath him until you realise his wage packet is reportedly 350,000 a week.

Eto’o was recently filmed by a group of French documentary makers inspecting his new Moscow penthouse, complete with private lift, sauna, swimming pool and 360 degree panoramic views of the historic capital.

Pointing the way forward: Eto'o has nine goals in 13 outings so far this season

Pointing the way forward: Eto'o has nine goals in 13 outings so far this season

Roberto Carlos, 39, winner of the World Cup in 2002, finished his playing days with Anzhi and is now their sporting director. His last birthday present was a 1.8m Bugatti Veyron sports car, personally procured by Kerimov’s small change.

Also in the squad is Christopher Samba, signed for 12.3m as Blackburn hurtled towards relegation from the Premier League last season. He earns 100,000 a week but has been the victim of racist abuse in the Russian League.

He told BBC Sport this week: ‘This is a very ambitious club and we have attracted a lot of players. This is not just about money – this is a proper sports project.

‘People don’t come here just to chill and win a pay cheque. We’re putting in a shift on the pitch and at the moment it’s working.’

Solid as a rock: Christopher Samba joined Anzhi from Blackburn for 12.3m last season

Solid as a rock: Christopher Samba joined Anzhi from Blackburn for 12.3m last season

Zhirkov, who spent two years at Chelsea, joined for 13.2m in August 2011, and another former Stamford Bridge face, Lassana Diarra, moved from Real Madrid this year.

They’re guided by Hiddink, another Chelsea connection of course, who was picked ahead of Fabio Capello for the job in February. His pay cheque is worth 8.3m a year.

/10/24/article-2222466-15A9B16B000005DC-694_634x458.jpg” width=”634″ height=”458″ alt=”Chelsea connection: Yuri Zhirkov has linked up with former boss Hiddink at Anzhi” class=”blkBorder” />

Chelsea connection: Yuri Zhirkov has linked up with former boss Hiddink at Anzhi

They’re also getting more and more ambitious in their recruitment. There were sensational reports in the summer of Anzhi trying to woo Robin Van Persie with a 45m transfer fee and 300,000-a-week. Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic is also reportedly on their shopping list for January.

Just 18 months ago, this would have been unthinkable when Kerimov, a 46-year-old billionaire who made his fortune from investments in the region’s lucrative gold, silver and potash mines, took control.

The region’s President, Magomedsalam Magomedov, gave him 100 per cent control of Anzhi in exchange for a truck load of cash not only to spend on the squad and a new 40,000-seater stadium, but the region as a whole.

Plenty to cheer: The Anzhi fans will soon have a 40,000 stadium in which to watch their side

Plenty to cheer: The Anzhi fans will soon have a 40,000 stadium in which to watch their side

Kerimov, who is reportedly worth $8bn, has so far pledged $200m for infrastructure projects which will start to regenerate a turbulent region.

In the nineties, Chechen separatists led armed operations in Dagestan on a number of occasions, taking hostages in hospitals in Dagestani towns and killing scores of people.

In 1999, an Islamic body called on Muslims in Dagestan and neighbouring Chechnya to take up arms against the Russian military. There were two weeks of bloody clashes and Russia has maintained its presence there ever since.

Periodically, insurgents take on the military presence. Ten died in Makhachkala in a 2005 bombing and a policeman was killed and 60 wounded when a bomb went off outside Anzhi’s stadium in September 2010.

Bright future: Hiddink and Carlos are determined to take points from Liverpool to maintain their good start to the season

Bright future: Hiddink and Carlos are determined to take points from Liverpool to maintain their good start to the season

So a history of friction between Moscow and this southern province has been added to by Anzhi’s ascent. When they used the Lokomotiv Stadium for their Europa League qualifier with AZ Alkmaar in August, supporters of the Moscow clubs united to hurl nationalist abuse at the Anzhi players.

Zhirkov was also signalled out for abuse by Russian fans when he played for the national side in the same stadium. The locals believe he’s wasting his time down in Dagestan.

‘We’re unpopular because people can’t understand how a club that won the second division [three years ago] are now title contenders,’ adds Samba.

But for Samba and his teammates, unpopularity is a small price to pay for being part of the Revolution.

Liverpool opponents Anzhi to lay Hillsborough wreath

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Liverpool's Europa League rivals Anzhi to lay wreath at Hillsborough memorial

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UPDATED:

15:38 GMT, 23 October 2012

Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala will pay tribute to victims of the Hillsborough disaster after they train at Anfield on Wednesday.

The club are on Merseyside for Thursday's Europa League clash with Brendan Rodgers' side, but will use the stadium for a final practice session on the eve of the Group A match.

Coming to town: Ex-Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink is manager of Anzhi Makhachkala

Coming to town: Ex-Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink is manager of Anzhi Makhachkala

Anzhi, managed by former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, will lay wreaths at the memorial to the 96 who lost their lives in 1989.

Russian media report Hiddink, as well as Roberto Carlos, star player Samuel Eto'o and others, will make the heart-felt gesture at 6pm.

With attention on the game, goalkeeper Pepe Reina will miss the match through injury, but expects to be back in time for the weekend clash with Mersey rivals Everton.

The Spaniard said: 'I'm getting better, little by little. It wasn't worth taking any risks because you risk it getting worse. I'll be patient and get really good.

'Brad was excellent. He was composed, he was really good in the air, when he was called on he was fast off his line, and he played well with his feet. He had a complete game.

Remember the 96: The Hillsborough memorial stands proud outside Anfield

Remember the 96: The Hillsborough memorial stands proud outside Anfield

'He's a good fighter and a good keeper for Liverpool, not just an understudy. He's another 'keeper for the club and he'll do his best to play as many games as possible.'

Liverpool have three points from their first two Europa games, while Anzhi top the group with Udinese on four points. Young Boys of Bern are yet to register.

Frank Lampard wants Chelsea manager job

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Lampard reveals dreams of managing Chelsea (no other club is good enough!)

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UPDATED:

08:30 GMT, 29 August 2012

Frank Lampard has admitted that he wants to become Chelsea manager one day.

Although he has no plans to quit playing just yet, the 34-year-old England midfielder is already thinking about life after he hangs up his boots for good.

But Lampard revealed he has no desire to forge a management career in the lower leagues and has eyes for only one job – at the club where he has spent the last 11 years.

Still going strong: But Chelsea star Frank Lampard (right) is thinking about his future

Still going strong: But Chelsea star Frank Lampard is thinking about his future

Lampard told the Sun: 'I am thinking about my coaching badges now but there is only one club I want to manage.

'I know it might sound a bit big-headed or selfish but I wouldn’t want to go through “showing myself” with a lower club.

'Although I would never expect to walk into a position such as the Chelsea manager, this is the only club I’d want to manage.'

But Lampard also admitted he would be worried about tarnishing the glowing reputation he has built among the Stamford Bridge faithful should he not replicate in management the success that he has enjoyed as a player.

He said: 'I’d love to have a crack at it but I’d want to do it well.

'I wouldn’t want the supporters to forget everything I’ve tried to do as a player because I can’t manage the team.'

Lampard has played under eight different managers at Chelsea: Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luis Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink, Carlo Ancelotti, Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Di Matteo.

And the former West Ham ace told Chelsea fanzine cfcuk that he has picked up tips from all of them.

He said: 'Without a doubt I’ve picked up some good things as well as some things that I’d do differently. The main thing I’ve learned is how to treat people properly.

'It’s important to respect the players and by doing so, hopefully, you’ll earn their respect back.

'We saw that with Jose Mourinho. I saw him being strong with players and having arguments but the vast majority who played or worked for him had a massive amount of respect for him.'

Fabio Capello to be Russia manager on 7.8m a year

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New Fab deal for Capello as super-rich Russia sign him up on 7.8m a year

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UPDATED:

22:02 GMT, 16 July 2012

Fabio Capello will be paid a staggering 7.8million a year after agreeing to become the new head coach of Russia.

The former England manager, who quit in February after John Terry was stripped of the captaincy by FA chairman David Bernstein, will sign a two-year deal to take Russia to the 2014 World Cup.

Capello earned 6m a year with England, but he has now negotiated a significant increase to guide the team ranked 13th in the world.

Incoming: Former England manager Fabio Capello is to be the new Russia boss

Incoming: Former England manager Fabio Capello is to be the new Russia boss

Although Capello claimed England was the only national post he had ever craved, he has had a change of heart after nearly five months out of work.

The 66-year-old maintained the job of coaching England would be his last in football, but has been persuaded back on to the international scene.

The huge salary on offer has helped him make that decision and he will sign a two-year deal — with an option to continue in the role beyond the World Cup — this week.

He is expected in Moscow along with his lawyer son Pierfilippo in the next few days to formally accept the role.

Not quite the end: Capello had said his role with England would be his last

Not quite the end: Capello had said his role with England would be his last

Capello replaces Dick Advocaat, who left after Russia failed to progress beyond the group stage at Euro 2012.

His first game will be a friendly in
Russia against the Ivory Coast on August 15 before the serious business
of qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil begins.

Capello's first competitive fixture is against Northern Ireland on September 7. Portugal, who reached the semi-final of Euro 2012, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg are also in the group and The Italian’s initial brief is to qualify for Brazil.

He becomes the third foreigner in a row to take the Russia job after Guus Hiddink and Advocaat.

Controversy: Capello left the England job over the John Terry racism scandal

Controversy: Capello left the England job over the John Terry racism scandal

Capello said: ‘I am happy. If contract negotiations go well, as I believe they will, it will be a wonderful adventure as Russia is a great country.’

The Russian Football Union initially claimed they were interviewing up to 13 candidates, including former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.

Despite these public claims of a sweeping search, Capello has actually been in talks with Russia since Advocaat’s Euro 2012 exit.

Russia captain Andrey Arshavin endorsed Capello’s appointment, saying: ‘Russia’s national coach has been appointed – he is Fabio Capello. We wish him success in his new job.’

Pep Guardiola claimed to be new Russia manager

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Guardiola set to be next Russia manager, according to reports in Moscow

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UPDATED:

23:51 GMT, 5 July 2012

Pep Guardiola is expected to arrive in Moscow on Friday amid claims that he has signed a preliminary agreement to become Russia's next manager.

Fabio Capello has already expressed his interest in replacing Dick Advocaat, and sources at the Russian FA's executive committee meeting on Wednesday claimed a contract had already been signed with a new coach.

Spartak Moscow owner and oil tycoon Leonid Fedun has already confirmed he is willing to help fund Guardiola's salary.

Holiday: Pep Guardiola quit Barcelona in May to take a break from football

Holiday: Pep Guardiola quit Barcelona in May to take a break from football

The former Barcelona boss is at the beginning of a sabbatical, but Russia's most respected newspaper Sport-Express claims he will be in the Russian capital on Friday.

The post has proved flexible in the past, with Guus Hiddink allowed to spend much of his time abroad while manager of Russia.

Guardiola has long been linked with the Chelsea manager's job, with Blues owner Roman Abramovich a long-time admirer of the Spaniard.

But Abramovich handed Roberto Di Matteo a two-year deal to take the reins at Stamford Bridge following the club's Champions League triumph in Munich in May, ending talk of Guardiola considering an offer from Chelsea.

Anzhi Makhachkala line up 45m bid for Robin Van Persie

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Mega rich Anzhi Makhachkala line up 45m bid for Arsenal star Van Persie

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UPDATED:

10:09 GMT, 20 May 2012

Guus Hiddink’s Anzhi Makhachkala are preparing a sensational 45million bid for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

Hiddink has been given a blank cheque book to strengthen the mega rich Russians and has made fellow Dutchman Van Persie his No 1 target.

Anzhi owner Suleyman Kerimov, one of the richest men in the world, has told Hiddink the best players can earn over 300,000 a-week net at his club – which works out at 15m a year tax free.

Mega deal: Anzhi Makhachkala want to sign Robin van Persie for 45m

Mega deal: Anzhi Makhachkala want to sign Robin van Persie for 45m

Hiddink is now hinting he is about to target Van Persie with an offer that will dwarf anything on offer from Arsenal or any other club in Europe.

Hiddink said: 'In this summer’s transfer period we are going to get a couple of really well targeted investments to build this Anzhi team into an even bigger side in world football.

'We have made it possible to break into the top five in Russian football. We are now among the traditional strong teams from Moscow and St Petersburg. But we need to make even bigger steps than we have done so far, to play for the top spots.

Money no object: Guus Hiddink has been given a blank cheque book to sign who he wants

Money no object: Guus Hiddink has been given a blank cheque book to sign who he wants

'Initially I was not going to put my eye on a Dutch player, but now I am not ruling out that this could take place.'

Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder said last week he is not prepared to move to Moscow. He explained: ‘If I wanted to go and earn big money, I could have moved in January to Moscow.

'The amount of money was incredible, but I am happy at Inter.’

So striker Van Persie must decide if he wants to pick up 45m over three years and move to Moscow or stay at Arsenal or move to another club in one of Europe’s top leagues for less money.

Thanks but no thanks: Wesley Sneijder turned down a move in January to Russia

Thanks but no thanks: Wesley Sneijder turned down a move in January to Russia

Hiddink says he wants to turn Anzhi into one of the biggest clubs in the world. His owner Kerimov claims to have the same kind of funds as Manchester City’s Arab owners.

And the former Chelsea boss has turned down a double role as club and Russia’s national coach in Russia to put all his energy into Anzhi.

'I know that I am in the frame for a double role. But I find that impossible and it is not realistic,’ he said.

'I love being on the pitch again every day with the players. I have really missed that feeling over the last few years.'

Anzi’s Samuel Eto’o is acknowledged as the world’s best paid player. He is paid a reputed 320,000 a-week.