What seemed crazy at first, became an actual possibility later on. Racing offered Lothar Matthäus to take over the team from Avellaneda.

Matthäus, aged 48, had two telephone conversations with the president of Racing, Rodolfo Molina. He showed his interest and conditions to take up the challenge of leading the Argentine team.

The economic part wouldn’t be a hindrance because he wouldn’t demand as much as other candidates like Miguel Angel Russo, for example.

Matthäus made his debut as a coach five years ago in the Hungarian national team, which he led for 28 matches, bagging 11 victories, 3 draws, and 14 defeats.

In 2006, he had his stint in South America. He was Atletico Paranaense’s coach in Brazil, but he left the position prematurely, citing family problems that forced him to return to Germany.

Then, he led Red Bull in Austria, where he became a champion. He had another experience in Israel, in Maccabi Netanya, where they rescinded his contract due to economic problems in April this year.

Matthäus’ hypothetical arrival would also imply 4 reinforcements to enrich the staff, in order to fight for the next tournament.

Matthäus speaks three languages but not Spanish. If he was eventually taken up, it would be with the intention that he stayed for the long term, and to bring Racing into the European market.

Lothar Matthäus is a football living legend. He’s the footballer who played more World Cups ever, with a total of 5: In 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998. He also holds records for most matches played in World Cup history (25) and top number of calls for Germany (150 matches, 23 goals).

In 1990 he was awarded “German Player of the Year” and “Player of the Year”. In 1991 he was FIFA World Player’s first winner.