Grozny is the capital of the war-torn southern Russian republic and former Holland and AC Milan playmaker Gullit is confident sport can provide relief from the day-to-day problems people there currently endure.

He said: "I'm not here for politics. I am here for the sport.

"I've been around the world. I have seen refugee camps, have been in dangerous places. But I do know one thing: football brings joy.

"I think it's a fun challenge to get people to embrace football.

"If I can make people happy, I'm happy. I want to bring football back to the people of Grozny."

Gullit was appointed two weeks ago and is impressed by what he has seen of the players so far.

He added: "I've had the chance to get to know them and they are good players who work well and who share the same goals.

"The entire sports world now knows where Terek Grozny is and what it is."