'Time for Sanchez to coach Mexico'

Former Argentina captain Diego Maradona said it was time for former Real Madrid striker Hugo Sanchez, considered Mexico's best-ever player, to coach the national team.

On a visit to Mexico 20 years after lifting the World Cup there, Maradona said Sanchez was the ideal candidate to put together a Mexican squad capable of succeeding on the world stage, where they have been constant under performers.

"The time has come for Hugo," Maradona said. "For me, in my way of seeing things, he is the number one candidate."

Mexico's soccer federation is only days away from picking a new coach to replace Argentine Ricardo La Volpe, who stood down after the World Cup in Germany.

Americo Gallego, another Argentine and currently the coach of Mexican club Toluca, and Sanchez are the favourites for the job.