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ESPNsoccernet: Europe | |
Gabriel Heinze has backed compatriot Diego Maradona to be a success if he takes over as coach of reigning Ligue 1 champions Montpellier.
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Heinze, 34, is playing in his native Argentina with Newell's Old Boys after a 15-year stint in Europe during which he featured for Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille in the French top flight.
After working under Maradona, 52, in the Argentine national side for two years, Heinze has no doubt that the 1986 World Cup winner has the qualities to succeed in what would be his first European managerial experience.
"He's a competitor, and he's up to the task of coaching any club in France, Spain or Argentina," the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Roma defender told RMC radio.
"For the players, it's fantastic. He's someone who treats people the right way, a fabulous guy. At Montpellier, he could do some good. He's a special person. He's Maradona."
One of the undisputed all-time great players, Maradona's achievements since he ended that career remain overshadowed by the heights he scaled on the pitch.
Underwhelming in his stints at club level, most recently being sacked by UAE club Al Wasl in July after just over a year in charge, his tenure with the Argentine national side ended after they were routed 4-0 by Germany in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals.
"I don't know if he's a great coach or not. He can bring something. It's more amazing than Beckham going to PSG," Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino, 41, a former PSG defender and Argentine international, told RMC.
"He can motivate players. For Argentines, he represents a lot. He's a great footballer and a great person."