Kadyrov is both the leader of the Russian republic and the
president of football club Terek Grozny. In a long and scathing statement on
the club's website, Terek criticized Gullit, saying the former World Player of
the Year is distracted by “bars and discos.” “Terek has never looked so
hopeless,” the club said.
The 48-year-old Gullit took over as coach in January on an
18-month contract. But after 12 games, Terek has only three wins and three
draws to go along with six losses, leaving the club in 14th place in the
16-team league.
Kadyrov, who wields control over every aspect of life in the
province, originally set Gullit the task of a top-eight finish, which would
guarantee a playoff spot and a chance to enter European competition.
“The actions of Gullit over these six months show that he
hasn't got a grasp on the players or the lineup. The side has no form of play,
and there is no recognizable style,” the statement said. “Kadyrov is extremely
dissatisfied with both the team's league position and the lack of endeavor in
the head coach to put all his energy into normalizing the situation.” On
Tuesday, Terek is to play at Amkar Perm, which leads the Grozny team on goal
difference.
The club statement criticized Gullit both for his coaching
and his attitude, complaining that the Dutchman went out on the town with his
players after a recent break in the league for European Championship qualifying.
“Gullit ... arrives two days after the rest of the team, and
then goes with the players to a night club,” the club said.
Terek said Gullit had ample opportunity to sign any players
he saw fit to bolster the team, with money no object. The club also denied
complaints it said Gullit made about the quality of the training infrastructure
at the club, citing its newly built Akhmad Kadyrov Stadium, named after
Kadyrov's father.
“What
absence of infrastructure can Gullit be talking about when even the stars of
world football - Maradona, Cafu, Dida, (Steve) McManaman, (Luis) Figo and
others - marveled at the stadium,” the statement said.
