Bilardo wants Argentina return

Former Argentina coach Carlos Bilardo has made it clear he would like to succeed Jose Pekerman as coach of the national team.

Argentina won the 1986 World Cup and reached the 1990 final under Bilardo’s guidance and the 67-year-old would like to return to the top job.

Speculation has been rife about a possible successor to Pekerman, who resigned following Argentina’s quarter-final defeat by Germany, and Bilardo has told Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona he would like to be considered.

“I’d like to manage the national team,” Bilardo told Argentinian newspaper Ole.

“It would be great. It would be nice also to be with the guys of 1986 and 1990. They have been part of the national team for several years, they have experience and are coaching at the moment.

“What I’d like most is for Grondona to call me. I’d like to be the next to coach the national team.”

Diego Maradona is also believed to be in the frame for a coaching role, and Bilardo insists he would have no problem working alongside his former star player.

“I’d coach the team with Diego or anybody else. I have a good relationship with everybody,” added Bilardo, who has been commentating on this summer’s finals for Argentinian TV station Canal 13.