Maradona To Be Offered Argentina Coaching Job

zocoss SG

HANDS ON ... Diego Maradona and his possible new assistant - World Cup-winning coach Carlos Bilardo

Maradona, whose Hand of God goal sent England out of the 1986 World Cup, said: “The offer has attracted me a lot. "As soon as it is confirmed, I will start working, but I can say I am very proud.

“We have to keep talking. There are some things to resolve. This is just beginning." Maradona has already started assembling his coaching team. Pedro Troglio, coach of Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno and Maradona's former international team-mate, claims he has been approached about joining the new set-up.

Troglio said: “I am extremely happy but I must keep my feet on the ground. “The world’s best player has called me. “It was a huge surprise. Being aware that your name is included as possible coaching staff is amazing but we’ll have to wait to see whether Diego is selected.”

Maradona would take the role of coach, with his '86 World Cup-winning coach Carlos Bilardo as general director. Bilardo said. “Are things getting started? Yes.”

The pair were approached by Julio Grondona, head of the Argentine Football Association. Grondona has led the search for a coach following Alfio Basile’s recent resignation. Maradona's first game as boss would be against Scotland at Hampden Park on November 19.

Jacksngthepilot SG

wa its a miracle he's still alive, especially with his drinking and all that

sand king SG

Maradona's birthday is tmr right?

youyayu SG

PELE FOR BRAZIL!

limpper SG

then teach the whole team how to take drug correctly. teach : messi how to sniff glue, aguero : to smack "K"

Fantagf SG

If he goes back to taking drugs again, there goes the team!!!

limpper SG

If he goes back to taking drugs again, there goes the team!!!

haha, who knows he might take it in toilets of the national training ground of stadium.

omgukilledkenny SG

Maradona yesterday beat off competition from Carlos Bianchi, Miguel Angel Russo and Sergio Batista to be named the surprise successor of Alfio Basile as coach of Argentina.

Speaking from his home in Buenos Aires, El Pibe d'Oro has described his happiness at this appointment.

"This is something I have wanted for a long time," said Maradona. "I dreamt of it.

"Speaking yesterday with my daughter [Gianina], I told her that her [unborn] son and this [job] are the best gifts that I could ever receive in my life."

Sections of the Argentine press have massacred the decision to appoint Maradona, who has had next-to-no experience as a coach since retiring from playing, and has also had some well-documented personal troubles.

"I laugh at those who say that I have no experience," said Diego, who will turn 48 tomorrow.

"I have more than 20 years of experience with the national team. Football hasn't changed, everything is already invented. I don't think anyone can surprise me on the field.

"For those who say I have little experience, I say to them that I have [Carlos] Bilardo by my side, who has more experience than anyone else.

"The appointment could not arrive at a better time of my life. This is the right time, I'm more mature. I'm very calm, knowing that we have incredible players to make all the country smile when they see the national team playing.

"I'll take all the time to appoint my assistants."

Asked about his others commitments [like exhibition matches] he concluded: "I dedicate everything to the national team now."

Maradona famoulsy led Argentina almost single-handedly to World Cup glory in 1986 as a player. Twenty-four years later he will now try to do the same as a coach in South Africa.