Dick Advocaat to step down as Russia coach after Euro 2012

PanARMENIAN.Net - Dick Advocaat will step down as coach of the Russian national team in July after Euro 2012, he said Monday in remarks reported by Russian daily Sport-Express, according to RIA Novosti.

Advocaat took over from fellow Dutch coach Guus Hiddink in May 2010 on a two-year deal with an option for a further two years.

“After the European championship I’ll go,” Advocaat said.

Claims of a dispute over pay were wide of the mark, he said.

“I can’t tell you the reason yet but, knowing about all the speculation, I’ll say right now, it’s not about the money.”

“I haven’t told the players yet. I’m sure that this news won’t influence our preparation for the Euros.”

Reports in the Russian media have claimed that Advocaat may be seeking a return to club coaching.

Advocaat won the Dutch title with PSV Eindhoven in 1996 before taking two Scottish titles with Rangers.

Before taking the Russia job, he was coach of Zenit St. Petersburg, where he won the 2007 Russian championship and beat Rangers to win the UEFA Cup in 2008.