Real Madrid presidential candidate: Eriksson would be my coach
A candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid promises Sven Goran-Eriksson will be the club's coach if he wins the July 2 election.
A candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid promises Sven Goran-Eriksson will be the club's coach if he wins the July 2 election.
"My team has spoken to Eriksson and he has given a commitment that if I win the election he will come and coach the team," Arturo Baldasano told Radio Marca on Tuesday.
Eriksson, who is leaving as England's coach after the World Cup, was recommended by Madrid's former coach Vicente Del Bosque, Baldasano said.
The lawyer and economist, who also participated in Madrid's 2004 election, said he would make Del Bosque his sports director and sign Spanish players Jose Antonio Reyes of Arsenal and Joaquin Sanchez of Real Betis.
"I'm proud that the candidates are saying that I interest them but now I'm thinking of the national team. It's nice that they want you but my mind is only on the World Cup," Reyes told news agency Europa Press on Tuesday.
Pre-electoral pledges play an important role in Madrid's elections, which are normally held every four years. Former president Florentino Perez won the 2000 poll largely on a promise to sign Luis Figo from FC Barcelona, which he later did.
Another candidate, Juan Miguel Villar Mir, has already said he is seeking to persuade Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger to take over at Madrid.
Former president Lorenzo Sanz and businessman Juan Palacios went through the necessary steps Tuesday to become official candidates. Former board member Ramon Calderon also plans to run.
Sanz, who won two Champions League title as Madrid's president from 1995-2000, said he would appoint Del Bosque as coach if he wins the election.
Palacios also hopes to bring in Del Bosque as coach, while Calderon has promised to appoint Juventus' Fabio Capello and sign Brazil's Kaka from Milan if elected.
A poll of about 65,000 members will select a replacement for Fernando Martin, who was forced to resign in April, two months after being selected by his predecessor, Perez.
Perez quit in February after 5 1/2 years due to Madrid's failure to win a trophy since 2003. The last time the team went three years without a major honor was in the early 1950s.
As well as overseeing the appointment of a coach -- the club's sixth in three years -- Madrid's new president is also expected to restructure the team's roster and decide on the futures of David Beckham, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.