Hiddink refuted reported move to PSV (Allsport)

By PA Sport Staff

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It is a love affair that has captured the imagination of every South Korean - but now looks like it is coming to an end.

After 18 months, during which time he has taken Korea to heights even they never dreamed of, Guus Hiddink's reign as coach seems nearly over.

Hiddink's contract expires at the end of the World Cup and although the Koreans would love him to stay, PSV Eindhoven have already declared their intent to steal him away.

PSV are unlikely to be the only suitor for the man who has revolutionised Korean football and his name will be on the shortlist of any top European club looking for a new manager this summer.

Hiddink does not want to cheat on his current love and has insisted he has not spoken to PSV or anyone else during the World Cup.

The Dutchman said: "Of course there are always going to be rumours and things going on.

"But I have said I will not talk to anyone during the World Cup. I'm focused here on what I have been doing for the last one-and-a-half years."

However, once Korea exit the World Cup, it is hard to see Hiddink staying on.

The next World Cup in Germany is four years away, while even the Koreans have scant regard for the next biggest thing on the continent, the Asian Cup.

At 55, Hiddink knows he is not getting any younger and so a move back to Europe is the next logical step.

Even before his miracle working with Korea, Hiddink could boast an impressive CV.

He won a treble of European Cup, Dutch cup and Dutch league with PSV in 1988, while he guided Holland to the semi-finals of the last World Cup.

Throw in spells at Fenerbahce, Valencia, Real Madrid and Real Betis during a managerial career that spans 20 years and he has just about seen it and done it all.

The Koreans know all this, but that still will not make it any easier for them if Hiddink does leave.

After a rocky start when Korea suffered several heavy defeats, the Koreans took Hiddink to their hearts as results improved.

His status alongside American general Douglas MacArthur, who masterminded the Incheon landing during the 1950-53 Korean war, as the most popular foreigner in the country's history was confirmed when he led the team to their first ever World Cup win over Poland.

His popularity rose when Korea beat Portugal to qualify for the second phase and then increased yet further, if that were possible, with the second-round win over Italy.

Koreans have a reputation for being xenophobic, but now suddenly they want to erect a statue of Hiddink at the World Cup stadium in Seoul, name streets after him, give him honorary doctorates and even grant him honorary Korean citizenship.

Hiddink is deeply touched by the reaction of the Korean people, who were expected to clog the streets in their millions again for their quarter-final against Spain in Gwangju.

"I'm very happy about that and I'm very happy that I have provided a lot of joy for the people," he said.

"But I'm no hero, it is the players who have done everything. They are my tools, if you like, and I work through them."

It is sure to be one emotional farewell if, and when, he goes.