MOSCOW - Russian FA president Vitaly Mutko has defended his decision to extend coach Guus Hiddink's contract after seeing the team's chances of reaching Euro 2008 dented by defeat in Israel.
Hiddink is signed up to coach Russia until 2010 and, although their chances of reaching Austria and Switzerland are now in serious doubt, Mutko is standing by his decision.
"Hiddink will be in charge until 2010 and then we'll appoint a new coach," he said.
"This team needs to learn to cope with the weight of responsibility.
"Hiddink is the one who can do this and make our team strong."
Mutko also admitted that his side now have little chance of securing a place in the finals as they travel to Andorra two points behind second-placed England who play host to already-qualified Croatia the same day.
"We'll work and prepare for the next match. Of course we will still be hoping and counting on Croatia," he said.
"But the chances are slim. The draw for the World Cup takes place soon and we'll be looking to qualify for that."
Mutko's words of resignation were mirrored by Andrei Arshavin, but the Zenit St Petersburg striker nevertheless feels Russia have developed into a strong side.
"I think we've lost our chance of going to the finals now," Arshavin told radio station Mayak.
"We strongly wanted to win. We attacked a lot and didn't deserve to lose.
"A draw or a defeat was no good to us, so when we equalised we had to put all our strength into attacking and playing open football.
"We are very disappointed, but we are a strong side.
"We need to finish things off against Andorra now. Our fans will be watching. We'll do everything that is required of us."
