Maradona to hold talks

Maradona: Could be staying

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Argentina coach Diego Maradona is eager to stay in charge by signing a new contract, but wants his entire backroom staff to stay alongside him.

The legendary former striker is to hold talks with Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona on Monday over a new four-year deal.

Maradona has endured a rollercoaster ride in his two-year spell and looked to be on his way out following their quarter-final exit from the World Cup, but it appears he may be given the chance to stay on.

"I really want to stay, but it depends on Grondona," Maradona told El Show del Futbol on America TV.

"If they touch a hair of one of my guys, even if the masseur or the kitman, I'm going. I want to continue the adventure but not with (just) anyone. I chose these people. I want to continue working with them."

Grondona has publicly criticised Oscar Ruggeri, one of Maradona's assistants, but the manager insisted he wanted to keep the former Argentina defender in his staff.

"I already asked and I will continue to ask that Ruggeri joins me," he added.

"It's a constant struggle. This is the first thing I will discuss with Grondona."

Valued

The 49-year-old was named as a surprise choice as manager despite not having any significant experience and guided the team to the World Cup by the skin of their teeth with qualification in the final game of the campaign.

However his side impressed at the tournament, appearing to have a great team spirit and playing some excellent football that saw them among the favourites to bring the trophy home.

They were well beaten at the quarter-final stage 4-0 by Germany however, prompting criticism that Maradona was out of his depth, but Grondona appeared to have seen enough to suggest that he deserved a second chance.

"He took over at a very difficult moment and he qualified, which is important," Grondona said of Maradona to Radio Mitre.

"And he finished fifth, better than in other World Cups - all of that should be valued.

"It seems to me to be only correct that he stay on. I don't see why not."

However, he added of Ruggeri: "His name was put forward by me, but we had lots of problems.

"And I'll tell you something you may find funny - he was the defensive coach."