Alfio Basile has shocked Argentina by quitting as coach of the national side.
Coach steps down in wake of shock Chile defeat
Alfio Basile has shocked Argentina by quitting as coach of the national side.
The Argentines suffered a shock 1-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Chile earlier in the week, but they remain well-placed to reach South Africa 2010.
However, Basile has decided that he can no longer take the pressure which has been mounting following a string of poor results.
"I am very surprised because I had been with Basile all the way back from Chile to Argentina and he hadn't said anything about this," admitted Argentine Football Association president Julio Grondona.
"If we analyse in which position the teams are in the table we are very close and if the qualifiers would end today Argentina would be in South Africa 2010.
"But when a person sends you a note with his resignation you can't do anything about it."
Candidates
Basile took charge in 2006 for his second stint with the national side having previously been boss from 1991 to 1994.
The candidates to replace Basile are already forming with Miguel Angel Russo of San Lorenzo one of the favourites.
Sergio Batista, head of the national youth division, and Diego Simeone of River Plate are also believed to be under consideration.
The AFA are expected to announce the new coach before their next match, which is the friendly against Scotland on 19th November.
