Diego Maradona is Argentina’s New Coach?

October 28th, 2008 | by: Laurie |

Brilliance or insanity? You tell us.

Former Argentinian superstar Diego Maradona has just been asked to be the new head coach for Argentina despite having no real coaching experience.

The original rumors coming out of Argentina hinted that Maradona would be asked to be the assistant coach. But can anybody familiar with Maradona’s personality really see him as a #2? I can’t.

As we said last week, Argentina has been struggling a bit in World Cup qualifying. Their shock loss to Chile this month brought about the resignation of previous coach Alfio Basile.

What do you think? Can “larger-than-life man of excess” equal “competent National Team coach?”

For more info, check out our Argentina World Cup Blog.

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Mo

He couldnt manage his life why should I believe he will manage the national team? I am worried as I wanna see Argentina Spain in the WC Final but this hurts their chances IMO
Nolan

Ugh, I’m going to be sick.
http://atletico.theoffside.com Al

I think he’ll do a good job. It’s kind of like the case with Guardiola and FC Barcelona. Guardiola only has the credentials of managing the B side, but the reason he’s doing so great is because he loves Barca more than anyone and he knows the in’s and out’s of the club from his years there as a player. Diego bleeds Argentina so there’s not too much to worry about, as he’s familiar with how things run (or should be). Then again, Hugo Sanchez (the biggest fan Mexico has) was experienced as a coach and ruined the national team. Blah, who knows.
http://libertadores.theoffside.com Mauro

Unbelievable. I had to call my dad to make sure this wasn’t made up.

Insanity.
Kris

stop with the shit talking. Maradona is a God haha and soccer is a players game this is not american football where u call the plays.real futbol u put the best players u put some tactics but the player. Now the players are going to be taking responsibility for there garbage efforts could no one in there right mind in argentina would dare use Gods name in vain…HaHaHa AguantA DIEGOOOOOOO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt71u6KJAes
http://libertadores.theoffside.com Mauro

Maradona’s first coaching experience, he shared the role with Carlos Fren. They earned 4 points out of 12 possible and then both left the team, Mandiyú de Corrientes. Both abandoned the club at the end of the season.

His 2nd stint, he and Fren again took the reins at Racing Club. 2 wins, 6 draws and 3 losses while with Racing. Left the post after only 11 dismal matches.

Overall numbers as coach. 3 wins, 12 draws and 8 losses.

I’m now preparing for the story next week when he resigns because of the pressure and Grondona’s hand creeping all the way up his ass.
Michel-Olivier

diego is no klinsmann
http://celtic.theoffside.com Matt

Struggling in World Cup qualifying? Call you local overeating coke user!
Joe

With Europeans out of Europe and Brazil/Argentina going Dunga/Diego, I guess 2010 could actually be Africa’s year.
john

Al – But Pep Gaurdiola isn’t a raging alcoholic, nor is he an attention whore who blathers mindlessly to the media at any given opportunity, nor does he take swings at people in public. I just really can’t see him being a good coach, but then again, I thought Koeman to Valencia was a terrible idea as well…
Andrew

great news for all nations! Argentina will probably not be as competitive in 2010!!!
Johnny1987

wow…. whats up with Basil? Half the squad if from the U-21 anyway. Either A, it’ll be awesome, he’ll have beckenbaur like success (little better hopefully), or B it will be a disaster, Maradone puttin coke in gatorade etc… I dont know man. theres no track record…. i dont know my head is about to explode.
http://www.mcalcio.com Marco Pantanella

Wow. Who’d have thought that Argentina would be the next France.

Is this Domenech nº2?
http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie

Marco, I was just thinking that after this, Domenech doesn’t look so bad.
gaston

football legends like him don’t translate well into great coaches (their few exceptions like franz ), usually defenders or captains are the one that become great coaches because of their ability to read games at an early age players , inspire the team, thats why dunga was chosen for brazil, he besides coaching he can inspire as well something he did while he was captain.

good luck to him and argentina

oh and his 1st match will against domenche, how adorable
Amir

As an Argentinian I see Maradona as an idol, or even a God as some people like to call him. However, I don’t think he will be successful in coaching the albicelestes. He lacks coaching experience and don’t foget that Maradona is more emotional than logical. This can go either way for Argentina, but unfortunately I think it will have a negative impact in the team’s performance!
http://startingeleven.blogspot.com Mike

What makes anyone think he can do the job here? Great players don’t necessarily translate into great coaches/teachers. And his track record certainly doesn’t work in his favor.
http://startingeleven.blogspot.com/2008/10/maradona-to-coach-argentina-is-this.html
elliot

My Argentine friends it’s over for you. Maradonna? Pure Insanity.
http://www.torlaune.de/ gomez

With the help of Carlos Bilardo he can be a successful coach.