Guus Hiddink agreed yesterday to manage Chelsea until the end of the season while continuing to coach Russia's national team.

Chelsea said the 62-year-old Dutchman will meet his new players later this week ahead of Saturday's FA Cup match at Watford. He replaces Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was fired on Monday after seven months as manager.

Hiddink said he was taking the Chelsea job out of solidarity with owner Roman Abramovich, who is the financial backer of the Russian national team.

World Cup

"There's a special relationship between Russia and Chelsea by Roman Abramovich," Hiddink said on Sky Sports. "He asked me and the federation to help out because he's doing a lot for the federation and Russian football and it's an exemption because we try to help each other."

Hiddink will remain as Russia coach as the team seeks to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

"It's the sort of situation that everyone needs to get what's best for themselves," Hiddink told Russian television from the team's training camp in Turkey. "It's not a simple time for people, including for the (Russian Football Union). However, people working in the federation and at Chelsea, they have good relations, they ought to be ready to help one another. In any case, no one will lose out."

Interim basis

It is likely Hiddink will only be a spectator Saturday, and then be in charge for the following weekend's Premier League match at Aston Villa. Assistant Ray Wilkins is coaching the team on an interim basis.

Hiddink hasn't ruled out staying at Chelsea permanently.

"There are two scenarios," he said. "Either they say: 'Go back to the East' or it all goes well, and then ... but that is not ideal."

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is considered the favourite to take over on a permanent basis next summer.

"If the position will be open in July then I think he might consider it," Milan director Umberto Gandini said. "He did already have a chance to consider it when he was approached last summer."