Hugol wants to lead Real Madrid

Former Mexico and Real Madrid Striker Hugo Sanchez is in Spain lobbying for the Real Madrid manager position. The pentapichichi is convinced that he can be the man to lead Real Madrid back to glory. He just wants a chance to convince the club.

Sanchez is without question the greatest Mexican player to ever take the pitch, and was the first to try his luck in Europe back in 1981. He first played with Atletico de Madrid, where he won his first pichichi in the 84-85 campaign. He then moved across town to Real Madrid where he collected 4 more pichichis and help Real win 5 consecutive league titles. He scored 207 goals for Real in that period. His World Cup resume is not nearly as impressive, but he did rattle the nets against Belgium in 1986.

As a coach, Sanchez took over the team from where he was spawned, UNAM, and led them to 2 consecutive titles in 2004. But his success was short-lived, and was literally chased out of Ciudad Universitaria in 2005 as UNAM hit the skids. Sanchez had been a extremely critical of Ricardo Lavolpe’s handling of the national team, but has since kept quiet after Mexico qualified last fall.

Sanchez wants to resume his coaching career in Europe, and in particular, Spain. He is hoping to get a sitdown with Real President, Fernando Martin. “I just need the opportunity. I know I won’t let him or Real down.” Sanchez said. “There is no doubt that I can do it, but I need to have the backing of the Board and the president.

“Every adventure starts somewhere. And if you don’t believe me, ask Frank Rijkaard. He came to Barcelona with limited experience, and I really like the way he was supported by (Johan) Cruyff, the board and the president.”

Will Sanchez end up in Europe? Absolutely! Real has been turned down by one high-profile coach after another. I am not convinced that they’ll give Hugo a chance, and if do they hire a Mexican coach, it could very well be Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre. His Osasuna squad has gone from relegation flirters to 3rd place in the standings. But I will say this: they can get him on the cheap now, instead of watching Hugo go to another less prestigious team in la Liga. If Hugo turns that team’s fortunes around like Aguirre has, his price tag will get a lot bigger.