Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus has beeb appointed as coach of Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense.
Mattheus promised to blend the strengths of German and Brazilian football.
“We all know that Brazilian football is very creative but..it is not just in football that a dose of discipline is also necessary.
“There are rules in life and we have to observe them,” he told a news conference, promising that he would strive to make teamwork one of the strengths of his squad.
Matthaeus has signed a contract until the end of 2006 with the club from the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba.
Matthaeus, who led West Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup gave an insight into the way he likes to play football.
“My own tendency is toward attacking football. I believe in throwing players forward but when we lose the ball I want to see everyone getting back to share the defensive responsibilities,” he said.
Some Brazilian pundits have expressed scepticism about Matthaeus’s ability to overcome cultural and language barriers.
His most recent coaching position, managing Hungary, ended with a record of 13 victories and 13 defeats in 29 games.
“Of course I am here to learn and develop too,” he said. “It will be a great challenge for me and I like that,” Matthaeus said.
Subscribe to World Soccer – The essential football magazine
