Guus Hiddink resigns as Anzhi Makhachkala coach

Guus Hiddink has resigned as manager of Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

The 66-year-old Dutchman will be replaced by former Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen.

"I've always said that my mission with Anzhi would end when the club was able to develop and grow by itself without my participation," he said.

Hiddink, who guided Chelsea to a 2009 FA Cup win, joined big-spending Anzhi in February 2012, two years after his stint as Russia national coach ended.

The club finished third in the Russian Premier League last season, 11 points behind champions CSKA Moscow, and missed out on Champions League football this season.

Dutchman Hiddink leaves after just two games of the current campaign, with the club 13th of 16 teams on just one point.

A club statement said: "FC Anzhi has accepted the request of the head coach to terminate their employment relationship.

"The club sincerely thanks Guus Hiddink for his significant contribution to the club and wishes him success in his future career."

Meulensteen quit United and joined Anzi last month, working alongside Hiddink after turning down an offer by new manager David Moyes to coach United's under-21 development squad.

Meulensteen had previously worked with the first team under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, winning the Premier League four times, the League Cup twice and the Champions League once.