World Cup-winner Buchwald is new Aachen boss

AFP - 12 June 2007 13:20

Former World Cup-winner Guido Buchwald, seen here in 2006, said he is delighted to be given his first coaching role in his native Germany after he was revealed as the new coach of relegated Alemannia Aachen.

AACHEN, Germany (AFP) - Former World Cup-winner Guido Buchwald said on Tuesday he is delighted to be given his first coaching role in his native Germany after he was revealed as the new coach of relegated Alemannia Aachen.

The 46-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Aachen, replacing Michael Frontzeck, who resigned on May 12 after the club were relegated from the Bundesliga on the last day of the season.

Buchwald was voted the J-League's coach of the year in 2006 after leading Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds to the national title that year in a two-year stint at the club where he made more than 100 appearances in the 90s.

But after his time in the land of the rising sun, he is glad to be back on home turf.

"It was always my plan to coach back in Germany and I am glad it worked out that way," said the 76-times capped former defender.

"It will be difficult getting back into the Bundesliga, the competition is strong, but we have a two-part plan for the first year and we will see what comes of that. The ultimate aim is to get back in the top flight."

Having made more than 400 Bundesliga appearances in a 17-year career, Buchwald's finest moment in the white shirt of Germany came in the 1990 World Cup final when he effectively stopped Diego Maradona, arguably the best player at the time, as Germany were crowned World champions.