Big-spending Russian football club Anzhi is preparing to open its first youth academy under the tuition of a renowned Dutch youth coach, the club’s executive director Narvik Sirkhaev said Monday.
Anzhi tops the Russian Premier League but the success of coach Guus Hiddink's team has been based on star foreign signings such as ex-Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o and former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra rather than local talent.
“Everything required is there: the equipment, high-quality conditions, club gear. The boys will take part in domestic Russian and international competitions,” Sirkhaev said on the club website.
The academy could recruit up to 120 boys when it launches October 10, he said, with further expansion eyed.
Anzhi sporting director Jelle Goes is a former Dutch youth national team coach and will run the academy, Sirkhaev said.
“Jelle Goes will take part in the selection of the kids, and he will have the final word in any cases of disputes,” he said.
Unlike some of Europe’s top academies, there are no plans for the Anzhi youth system to offer academic education to its young players, Sirkhaev said.
Goes has previously worked in Russia as head of CSKA Moscow’s renowned youth academy and was also previously coach of the Estonian national team between 2004 and 2007.
