MEXICO CITY, Nov 16 (SW) - Mexican legend and ex-Real Madrid striker Hugo Sánchez was named manager of Mexico's national team on Thursday, replacing the departed Ricardo Lavolpe.

Earlier in the week, Argentina legend Diego Maradona said Sánchez needed to step up and take control of things himself and it appears that Mexico's greatest player ever has obliged.

Sánchez, who had been in a managerial post with Mexican top-flight side Necaxa, has not yet signed a contract, but has agreed in principle to take over El Tri immediately as they prepare for both the Gold Cup and Copa América next year.

Sánchez is a hero among Mexican football fans and those of Real Madrid, guiding the club to five straight La Liga titles during his tenure at the Bernabéu in the 1980s.