July 28: Diego Maradona’s brief but turbulent reign as Argentina coach has come to an end after the Argentine Football Association (AFA) elected not to renew his contract.
The football legend’s 18-month tenure as manager of the Albiceleste had looked in doubt following tense talks with AFA president Julio Grondona on Monday which focused on Maradona’s demands to retain his entire backroom staff.
Before that meeting Maradona, whose final game in charge was last month’s 4-0 World Cup quarterfinal humiliation by Germany, had made it plain he wanted to stay as long as he could keep his staff.
“I really want to stay, but it depends on Grondona,” Maradona told El Show del Futbol on America TV at the weekend after returning to Buenos Aires following a trip to visit his friend, Venezuala President Hugo Chavez.
“If they touch a hair of one of my guys, even the masseur or the kitman, I’m going,” Maradona added. “I want to continue the adventure but not with (just) anyone. I chose these people. I want to continue working with them.”
One was former Argentina defender Oscar Ruggeri, the target of criticism from Grondona after Argentina’s last eight World Cup defeat. “I already asked and I will continue to ask that Ruggeri joins me,” Maradfona had insisted. Media reports suggest that Grondona had vetoed that wish, triggering the end of Maradona’s 18-month spell in charge.
AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo, confirming Maradona’s departure on Tuesday, said: “The president put some salient points to Maradona in their long conversation yesterday. And the executive committee unanimously resolved not to renew Maradona’s contract as technical director of the national teams.”
Maradona’s tenure was marked by his use of over 100 players as he grappled with various formations, a two month ban for a foul-mouthed outburst at journalists, an 11th hour qualification for the World Cup, and the resounding defeat to Germany.
With Maradona gone, focus has turned on the identity of his successor. One name in the frame is Alejandro Sabella, 55, who led Estudiantes to the Copa Libertadores last year. Other potential candidates include Miguel Angel Russo and Sergio Batista.