Matthäus hands over Hungary reins
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Article summary
Hungary's national team are searching for a new head coach after Lothar Matthäus signed a contract with Brazilian side Club Atlético Paranaense.
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Turmoil at the top
The former German international's contract with the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) expired at the end of 2005 but the MLSZ was unable to extend it because - with its board currently not in operation while new members and a new president are appointed - there is no one with the legal right to sign an accord.
Stalemate in negotiations
The 44-year-old Matthäus had come up with an agreement whereby outgoing president Imre Bozóky and general secretary Sándor Berzi guaranteed they would sign a new contract with him if the board accepted. However, this was not legally binding and without a board to approve it, Matthäus was free to consider his options.
One-year deal
The former FK Partizan boss subsequently decided to fly to Brazil to open talks with Paranaense officials and has now signed a one-year deal running until January 2007 according to reports. "I am looking forward to getting back to working every day with a team," he is quoted as saying.
Wembley friendly on
Matthäus also claimed he wanted to stay in Hungary but this was impossible in the current situation. The Magyars' friendly with England at the new Wembley on 30 May will go ahead as planned and a new coach will be appointed once a new MLSZ board is in place, although this is unlikely to be before late February at the earliest.
