Maradona’s Reign Ends
In a major development the Argentine Football Association has sacked legendary coach Diego Maradona after failing to reach consensus with the mercurial playmaker who led the nation to a World Cup title in 1986, besides taking them to the final of the 1990 edition in Italy where they were beaten by West Germany in the final.
The Argentine coach had a topsy-turvy ride as the coach of the South American power house who won the World Cup in 1978 and 86.
He struggled big time in the qualification rounds, and was also banned for two months for a tiff with the media, telling a reporter “suck it” after being infuriated by some nagging questions.
Before his meeting with the top leadership of Argentina Football Association it was widely expected that the football icon would stay at the helm of the national team, but after failing to get their way the Federation voted unanimously not to renew his contract.
The announcement has shocked some of the fans, while some believe that it was on the cards and might help Argentine football.
After a remarkable start in the tournament, the Argentine team came crashing down losing by four goals to three time champions Germany, which was a major disappointment for the soccer mad nation.
"The executive committee has resolved unanimously not to renew the contract of Diego Armando Maradona as coach of the national team," AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo told a news conference after the meeting.
Bialo then spelled the reasons for his ouster from a post that he had held with pride since November 2008.
Maradona added that the fall out was because of an apparent disagreement with the AFA over his coaching staff.
"The president realized there was a wide distance separating the AFA from the possibility of continuing this contract and the legitimate requisites of Mr. Maradona. Between the requisites to give him a contract, or extend his contract, there was a wide space that made it impossible for the AFA to resolve our differences," Cherquis Bialo added.
After the announcement was made the fans gave their feedback on the development, one passionate fan felt that the glory on the field didn't translate onto the sidelines.
"I think he had the players to come out champion and as coach he didn't show he could do it, unfortunately, as a player, yes. He was the world's number 10 in 1986. Yet as a coach he failed," he said.
Despite the reversal in South Africa he was given a rapturous welcome by fans in the capital city of Buenos Aires, and most of the Argentines have a soft spot for him.
"I don't think its right, because the team lost against Germany but besides that they were playing well. Against Germany he couldn't change the game plan. He played with what he had and the team was playing better than they did here with a different coach," said one fan clearly perturbed by the announcement.
After the meeting at the AFA headquarters scores of supporters of the former star painted graffiti, beat drums and sang in support, expressing their displeasure at his removal.
One of the most loved stars in the country Maradona had a tumultuous time in the last two decades; she struggled with drug addiction, obesity and alcoholism for years before making a comeback as coach of national team in 2008, despite having very little experience as a manager.
Meanwhile local media has suggested that the former Boca Juniors coach Carlos Bianchi remains the leading contender to take over the reigns.
In the past he led the domestic team to a string of national and continental titles in two stints between 1998 and 2004, was a popular favourite to replace Maradona.
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