INTERVIEW-Soccer-Hiddink plans to keep working his magic

By Park Ju-min

SEOUL, July 11 (Reuters) - Coach Guus Hiddink, who has made a habit of turning second-tier teams into big event contenders, plans to continue for a long time to come -- especially after taking a young Russian side on a magical ride in Euro 2008.

"They did better than I expected ... but I saw the potential," Hiddink, 61, said in an interview with Reuters on Friday.

After taking Russia to the semi-finals where they lost to Spain, rumours circulated that the Dutchman could move to Chelsea in the Premier League but the vacancy was filled by Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"The Premier League is an attractive league but not at this moment realistic. I am working with Russia," Hiddink said on a visit to South Korea where he is regarded as a hero for guiding the side on a shock semi-final run in the 2002 World Cup.

"The only possibility to leave earlier, which I am not thinking of, is in the case that Russia does not qualify for the 2010 World Cup," said the man known in Russia as 'Tsar Hiddink'.

He continued: "Five or ten years ago, when I worked in Spain, I said I would do one or two years more and then quit.

"As long as I have energy and get energy out of young people, I cannot say I will stop (coaching).

Hiddink does not mind always being the bridesmaid but never the bride for taking teams to the semi-finals without claiming a championship.