Maradona to coach Argentina?

Soccer legend Diego Maradona appears to be on the short list of candidates to coach the Argentine men’s soccer team. Argentine Football Association president Julio Grondona is expected to soon announce who will take over for Alfio Basile. (Basile quit after this month’s 1-0 loss to Chile in World Cup qualifiers). Yet Maradona has been adamant in recent interviews over his desire to coach los albicelestes.

Most of the favorites to succeed Basile have been much more experienced and successful than Maradona. For instance, Carlos Bianchi won numerous domestic and international titles as coach of Argentine sides Velez Sarsfield and Boca Juniors. Despite too many years of off-field troubles, soccer columnist Gregory Sica believes Maradona could be the best pick for coach:

The appointment of Maradona, however, would set a new trend. And although it would indeed be extremely risky, it could well be the change Argentina needs. Maradona, who turns 48 on Oct. 30, has the potential to revolutionize Argentine soccer. What gives him the edge over his competition is that he continues to be as popular as ever in his country and is an international soccer icon. If he were to become Argentina's next coach, not only would he get undivided support from the general public, but he would also be presented with a glorious opportunity to prove himself in a position where many have failed in the past.

Image- AFP
Sources- SI.com, RTE, Reuters, goal.com, Guardian UK