Hernan Crespo has offered his managerial services to Parma if the club parts company with under-fire Roberto Donadoni.
The Italian side sit rock bottom of Serie A with six points after 11 games as pressure mounts on Donadoni.
Crespo - now the club's youth coach - has backed the former Italy boss to turn things around, but claims that he is ready for the role if necessary.
"I hope that Roberto keeps Parma up and stays until the end of the season," he told Corriere della Sera.
"Then I know I'd be in pole position to take over in June. But if the club asked me for my help during the season I wouldn't shy away from it.
"I'm ready. Even the current economic situation at the club doesn't worry me, I've been here for years and I know everything about this place."
The legendary Argentine striker enjoyed a four-year spell with Parma until 2000, scoring 62 times in 116 outings, before returning to the Crociati in 2010 to retire.
Shane Callaghan
