German legend Lothar Matthaus has revealed the enormity of the task facing him in his new role as coach of the Hungarian national side.
Hungary have not qualified for a major tournament since the 1986 World Cup and as much as he wants to bring success to his new fans, Mattaus admitted he will have his work cut out to change that statistic.
“The country is not very strong at football at the moment, but I hope to bring a positive mentality to the team,” said the former Bayern Munich sweeper.
“Everyone expects good results. I have been here two weeks and I feel that everyone loves me. They stop me in the street to wish me all the best and I would like to give something back. Football is down in Hungary but not out.”
Germany’s most capped player won his new job after taking minnows FK Partizan to the lucrative group stages of the Champions League, knocking out Premmiership club Newcastle United along the way. However he is under no illusions about the effect one man can have.
He added: “A new coach is not enough to make big changes. We must work together with the club coaches and the players.
‘Everyone has to give their best for Hungarian football. We would like to take part in the 2006 Word Cup, but it’s only a dream.”