Maradona puts faith in Masch

New skipper only man guaranteed his spot

Last updated: 20th November 2008

Argentina Javier Mascherano

Mascherano: Secured his place

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Diego Maradona admits new Argentina captain Javier Mascherano is the only player guaranteed a place in his team.

Liverpool midfielder Mascherano has replaced Javier Zanetti as the national team's skipper following Maradona's appointment as coach.

Mascherano led Argentina to a 1-0 win over Scotland in Maradona's first game in charge in Wednesday night's friendly at Hampden Park.

Maradona has an array of talent at his disposal and the 1986 World Cup winning captain admits only Mascherano can expect to keep his spot.

"Taking Mascherano aside, nobody has a place secured in my team," Maradona told Radio La Red. "It doesn't matter what his name is."

Maradona also praised Zanetti for his reaction to losing the captaincy, adding: "He proved he is a gentleman, he wants to go forward and keep playing."

Confidence

Meanwhile, Carlos Tevez is confident Argentina can enjoy a successful period under Maradona after praising the new coach's impact.

Tevez told Radio 10: "A new stage has begun and the team have started in the direction we want to go to make history.

"We only trained on Monday and Tuesday. It's not much, but these days were very useful to raise the mood of the guys. The will to win was back thanks to Diego.

"I am very happy with Diego's debut as coach. He can do very special things for us, and give us confidence."