Maradona set for top job

Argentine legend to lead his national side

Last updated: 29th October 2008

Maradona set for top job

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Diego Maradona is set to be named as the new manager of the Argentina national side.

The Argentinian football legend remains an iconic figure in his homeland and has made no secret of his desire for the top job.

After coming out of a meeting with Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona, Maradona confirmed he is set to succeed Alfio Basile.

Maradona told Radio La Red: "My first job will be watching the players. I'll try to talk to them one by one and then work at the training camp in Ezeiza with them.

"I arrived from Georgia at 10am and three hours later I was having a shower to meet Julio (Grondona). As I was going to the meeting, I thought it was some kind of hidden camera (show).

"The direction Julio wants for the national team is the same Bilardo and I have.

"My job will be watching the players and picking up the ones who are in the best form."

Bilardo help

"Diego will be the next coach of the national team," added 1986 World Cup winning coach Carlos Bilardo, who will be director of football.

Maradona emerged as a leading contender for the role last week when Noray Nakis, the president of the Argentina Football Association (AFA) selection commission, put his weight behind the 48-year-old's application.

"I'd like Maradona to be the next coach," said Nakis.