Maradona Asked to Coach Till 2014
One of the most memorable sights at the football World Cup was the child like excitement and enthusiasm of Diego Maradona every time a goal was scored by Argentina.
However the legendary player and winner of the 1986 World cup in Mexico, was a devastated man when his team was taught a football lesson by a team relying heavily on the exuberance of youth compared to the experience and class that Maradona’s team exuded.
Germany toyed with the vulnerable defence of the two times former champions running riot with a 4-0 win in the quarter-finals that cut short the tournament of the leading player in international football Lionel Messi.
Despite the reversal in South Africa the Argentina Football Association or AFA is set to offer Maradona a contract to remain as the team’s head coach until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
AFA’s representative Ernesto Cherquis Bialo said that the offer is likely to be made during a meeting between Maradona and AFA President Julio Grondona next week.
"The president of the AFA is going to ask the Executive Committee for the subsequent meeting, a report, a balance and a plan to resume the contract for another four years that will sew together 2010 with the final blast of the last game, the last act - which we hope will be the seventh game - in Brazil in 2014", said Bialo.
According to Bialo, the national governing body of football met for three hours before unanimously agreeing on giving an extended run to one of the most celebrated footballers in the history of the game.
The former play maker is still a household name in Argentina and adored by millions of fans in the soccer mad nation, he was given a rousing reception upon return from South Africa and he also won the support of President Cristina Fernandez as he is asked to make another entry into the coaching staff.
It has been anything but a smooth ride for the often controversial coach, especially since the end of his stint at the national team.
Maradona struggled with various ailments like drug addiction, obesity and alcoholism as he led a highly volatile and temperamental life which was set on a path of self destruction.
His return to coaching is considered a remarkable personal achievement for him, and one that renewed his lost pride in the soccer fields around the world.
Even as a coach he has had his share of controversies as he was handed over a two months ban for his foul mouthed outburst in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in 2009.
"Suck it and keep on sucking," Maradona said at that time in reference to a comment.
Meanwhile fans in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, have not lost their love and admiration for him and are ready to provide him stoic support.
"I think us here, in Argentina, might have wanted a little more and as Argentines and football fans we wanted to be world champions. This is all that we wanted, but I think what we have accomplished up to now is very good”, were the thoughts of one beaming fan.
Another fan added that the nation should be happy at what the team achieved at the World Cup, and get over the quarter-finals as one bad nightmare. "I want him to go on. I am very happy with what they accomplished in the World Cup. And in addition, I support Maradona as a person”.
The decision now rests with Maradona, and considering his passion for the game it is unlikely that he will step aside before leading his team to a major triumph.
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