Roberto Carlos heads to South Melbourne for coaching talks

Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos will arrive in Australia next month on a fact-finding tour at South Melbourne, with the club aiming to anoint him as their inaugural A-League coach should they be granted a place in the competition.

Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos during his time as head coach of Turkish side Sivasspor Source: Anadolu

The 2002 FIFA World Cup winner, who some observers believe may one day become head coach at the Bernabeu, has been in discussions with the former National Soccer League powerhouse since December over taking the reins.

And his looming visit, which will include conducting a series of coaching clinics with the National Premier League (NPL) team's juniors, appears to be further proof of their commitment to luring the 43-year-old, whose achievements as a player include four La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League winners' medals with the Galacticos.

South's advisory board chairman Bill Papastergiadis said the club's ongoing talks with Carlos over the coaching role and his impending visit are proof of how serious they are about their A-League bid.
"We are committed to being part of the A-League, and a big part of this are the ongoing discussions with him over him becoming our coach," he said.

"We have made some bold predictions and we are now backing them up with solid facts.

"Carlos's tour is an example of this, and our determination to play in the A-League when expansion comes."

Carlos, who currently holds a minor managerial role at Real, said he was open to further discussions with South Melbourne.
Roberto Carlos
"As the Oceania Club of the Century, South are steeped in tradition and success," he said.

"I am interested in their story and want to explore further where we can take our discussions.

"Coming to Melbourne is part of the process and I will get to see up close the club."
Papastergiadis added that having a name of such global cachet heading to Lakeside Stadium proved the "South brand and A-League has interest from some of the biggest names in the game".

"This shows that what we have been saying and planning has plenty of substance.

"We aim to drive interest in the game by appealing to a broader public."


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2 min read
Published 26 April 2017 4:57pm
Updated 26 April 2017 6:51pm
By Dave Lewis

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