Zenit provide me with new challenge, says Advocaat

SEOUL, June 27 (Reuters) Dick Advocaat's decision to step down as South Korea manager and coach Zenit St Petersburg was made in order to work with players full time, the Dutch coach said today.

Advocaat did not renew his contract to coach South Korea after they were eliminated from the World Cup last week.

''One of the reasons I didn't choose Korea or another club was that I am 58 and a little bit old,'' Advocaat told a news conference.

''So those are the main reasons for me to leave Korea, to work day in and day out with players.'' Advocaat will lead his Russian team for the first time on Thursday against Dynamo Moscow.

Zenit were supposed to be serious title contenders this year after being bought by Russian energy giant Gazprom, but they are languishing in mid-table in the premier league.

Reuters PM GC1000