Montpellier eye Maradona as coach

With Beckham playing for PSG, Ligue 1 boss looks to the Hand of God to give team a lift

WITH Posh Boy David Beckham signed for Paris Saint-Germain, Montpellier are aiming for the Hand of God and are speaking to Diego Maradona to be their new coach.

Montpellier president Louis Nicollin confirmed that he had talked about recruiting Maradona to replace René Girard and the Argentine’s agent in France said he was interested in coming to France.

But the club boss admitted that it would be difficult if Maradona did not copy Beckham and hand back most of his pay. “If he asks the minimum for a Ligue 1 coach, €30,000, I would sign him tomorrow – even if he asks for a villa and a car with chauffeur. But not for €100,000.”

Nicollin had previously said he intended to sign former French national coach Raymond Domenech – although the coach denied any contact.

Maradona, who managed the Argentine national side between 2008-2010, was named joint FIFA Player of the 20th Century with Pelé. He played for Napoli as well as playing for Argentina 91 times and scoring 34 goals.

In 1986 he captained Argentina to victory over West Germany in the final but not before earning the Hand of God name for an unpenalised handball that led to his first score against England in the quarter-finals.
Photo: Neogeolegend