Maradona 'to manage Argentina'
The appointment of Maradona is sure to be popular in Argentina
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Tuesday, 28, Oct 2008 10:16
Diego Maradona has been named as the new coach of the Argentina national side, according to 1986 World Cup winning manager Carlos Bilardo.
Bilardo and Maradona met with Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona with a view to the controversial Maradona becoming first-team coach, with Bilardo as Director of Football.
"Diego will be the next coach of the national team," said Bilardo following the meeting in Buenos Aires.
The 48-year-old Maradona - who almost singlehandedly led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup trophy – is revered in Argentina and had the support of the fans as well as many of the current crop of players.
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano expressed his desire for Maradona to get the job and Noray Nakis, the president of the Argentina Football Association selection commission, also voiced his support.
Argentina were looking for a new manager since the resignation from Alfio Basile a fortnight ago after a World Cup qualifying defeat to Chile which left them in third place after 10 matches, seven points adrift of leaders Paraguay.
Maradona faced competition for the job from Carlos Bianchi, the former coach of Boca Juniors, whom he led to four national league titles, and Sergio Batista who took the Under-23 squad to Olympic gold in Beijing in August.