Hiddink says he had to change Russia's style completely

Guus Hiddink said he had been obliged to change Russia's style of play completely to turn them into a winning side after taking over as coach more than two years ago.

"I had to change their entire game," the Dutchman said at a UEFA conference for European national coaches this week.

"The Russians have always played high-speed football but all too often they lacked efficiency. We needed to turn this energy into results and modernise their game."

The 62-year-old Hiddink, who became Russia coach in April 2006, added: "We had to implement progressive possession. That is this explosive nature of the game, which we call 'collective counter'. It means that you don't just kick the ball from one end to the other and then chase it, but instead quickly move from goal to goal by high-tempo, short-pass play."

Hiddink, who led South Korea to fourth place at the 2002 World Cup and Australia to the second round of the 2006 edition, said: "The game today leaves a player with much less time and space. The intensity has grown incredibly in the last decade."

Russia were knocked out in the semi-finals of Euro 2008 by eventual champions Spain, recording their best performance since the break-up of the Soviet Union. Hiddink's contract was extended until 2010 and he has high aims for the World Cup qualifying campaign.

"We have quite a tough group with Germany, Wales and Finland but I am sure we will battle for the top spot," he said.