Russia coach Guus Hiddink admits he speaks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich regularly.

Abramovich was instrumental in Hiddink's appointment last year at a time when England had also been keen to recruit him.

The billionaire is believed to be part-funding the coach's wages and the pair are in regular contact.

Hiddink said: "Every now and then we have a short talk not just about the national team but about Russian football. They are brief but good contacts. He will wish the best for the Russian team."