Hiddink is one of the most respected coaches in the game (Getty)

Guus Hiddink insists he never spoke to Chelsea about becoming their manager.

The Russia boss, whose salary is partly paid by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, has been linked to the Blues repeatedly in the past 12 months.

But he told BBC London 94.9: "That was not even close. Roman asked me to help renovate Russian football, I still am.

"It would not be appropriate to ask me for Russia and then a few months later ask me for the Chelsea job. We never talked about that."

GUUS HIDDINK FACTFILE Has coached in Holland, South Korea, Australia, Russia, Turkey and Spain Led South Korea to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals Guided Australia to the second round in the 2006 event

Hiddink also played down speculation about the future of Blues boss Avram Grant.

The Israeli, who replaced Jose Mourinho in September, has suffered constant speculation about his future despite signing a four-year deal in December.

Speaking before Chelsea's Champions League final penalty defeat by Manchester United, Hiddink said: "It's England [the media]. They're commenting every day on everything. It's the position of a man who has hardly lost one game.

"Maybe he's looking a little bit down but you can't analyse on appearance. Look at what Chelsea have done this season."

And Hiddink, who has previously been linked with the England hotseat, admits Russia rode their luck to qualify for this summer's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland. The Russians qualified after Croatia beat England 3-2 at Wembley in November.

I have prolonged my contract until the 2010 World Cup because a lot has to be done in this country Guus Hiddink

"I don't think English fans like to see me in this position. They would rather England there in the European Championships.

"But we had the luck, that Croatia did a tremendous job at Wembley, which I did not expect. But finally we got where we want to be."

And the former Holland, Australia and South Korea boss, who is contracted with Russia until 2010, insists he is happy to honour his commitments.

"I have prolonged my contract until the 2010 World Cup because a lot has to be done in this country. First we have to play more to the modern style of the game. There has been some progress but we're not halfway where we want to be.

"Second, it's the infrastructure, educating young Russian talent in a modern way and [improving the] scouting system. I have made my plan and I want to be a part of the execution of that.

"I was embraced with warmness and openness by the Russian fans. That's one reason I love to work here."