ARSENAL midfielder Andrey Arshavin admits he is concerned that the early success of his national coach Guus Hiddink at Chelsea may lead to the Dutchman leaving the Russia national team.
Hiddink has made an undefeated start since taking over at Chelsea in February and although he remains adamant that he will leave Stamford Bridge in the summer to resume permanent control of Russia, Arshavin is not so sure.
"Everyone in the Russian national team loves him" Arshavin told BBC's Football Focus.
"Chelsea became stronger when they got him.
"I'm worried that if he gets results at Chelsea he will stay for more time and if Guus is gone, then Russia is gone as well I think."
On his own start to life in the Premier League with Arsenal, Arshavin admits it has taken a while to adjust to the pace of the English top flight.
"When you see the Premier League on TV there is a big difference to when you play" he said. "I need time, but I understand that we don't have time now because we need results."
After four successive goaless draws in the league a more positive result finally came for the Gunners on Tuesday night, with Arshavin instrumental in a 3-1 victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns.
The Russian is steadily finding his feet and says that rather than having a favoured position, he is happy to play in a variety of attacking roles according to Arsene Wenger's strategy.
He said: "I think it depends upon the formation - if it's 4-4-2 I prefer to play as a second striker. If its 4-3-3 I like to play as a right winger."
"Everyone in the Russian national team loves him" Arshavin told BBC's Football Focus.
"Chelsea became stronger when they got him.
"I'm worried that if he gets results at Chelsea he will stay for more time and if Guus is gone, then Russia is gone as well I think."
On his own start to life in the Premier League with Arsenal, Arshavin admits it has taken a while to adjust to the pace of the English top flight.
"When you see the Premier League on TV there is a big difference to when you play" he said. "I need time, but I understand that we don't have time now because we need results."
After four successive goaless draws in the league a more positive result finally came for the Gunners on Tuesday night, with Arshavin instrumental in a 3-1 victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns.
The Russian is steadily finding his feet and says that rather than having a favoured position, he is happy to play in a variety of attacking roles according to Arsene Wenger's strategy.
He said: "I think it depends upon the formation - if it's 4-4-2 I prefer to play as a second striker. If its 4-3-3 I like to play as a right winger."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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