Hernan Crespo, the former Argentina and Chelsea striker, has declared his ambition to return to English football – this time as a manager. Speaking from his home in Argentina, the 50-year-old, now a proven coach with trophies across four countries, said he has instructed his agent to find opportunities worldwide, with the Premier League his “top destination.”
“I still follow the Premier League and it is the top destination,” Crespo said. “I am working hard to come back.”
From Long Hair to the Dugout
Crespo, who jokes fans may remember him with long hair, has rebuilt his career in management after a faltering start at Italian side Modena. A return to his roots in Argentina saw him lead Defensa y Justicia to the Copa Sudamericana title, followed by successes at Brazil’s Sao Paulo, Qatar’s Al-Duhail, and most notably, guiding UAE side Al Ain to Asian Champions League glory in 2024.
“I needed to reset in Argentina to come back to Europe stronger,” he said. “I am the same Crespo as a footballer and as a coach. My football is about the ball – building, attacking, being aggressive.”
‘My Whole Life Flashed Before My Eyes’
Crespo scored 26 goals in 73 games for Chelsea across two seasons, winning the Premier League under Jose Mourinho in 2006. But he admits adapting to England was difficult personally and for his family.
“I always say I wish I had another life where I could have spent more days at Chelsea,” he said. “When I saw that medal [the Premier League medal], I remembered everything – from being a kid, the sacrifices, the dressing room with Zola, Vialli and Gullit, then arriving at that moment with Mourinho, Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard. My whole life flashed before my eyes.”
Crespo has been linked recently with roles at Rayo Vallecano, Marseille, Lazio and Parma.
On Messi and Argentina’s ‘Last Dance’
Crespo played alongside Lionel Messi at the 2006 World Cup – Messi’s first and Crespo’s last on the global stage. He recalled knowing Messi was “different” from his first touch, and described watching the now 39-year-old captain in what is expected to be his final World Cup.
“Whoever loves football will be happy watching him,” Crespo said. “It will be the Messi from Qatar – one who sets people up, rather than one who beats three players and scores. That Messi is gone.”
He believes Argentina have learned to play with or without Messi and ranks them among favourites alongside Spain and France, adding: “It is very sad that it will be Messi’s last one. We want it to be his last dance.”
