Speaking to the press today, Gabriel Batistuta has denied the reports saying that he’s running for Governor of Santa Fe, Argentina in 2011, he said he won’t be able to do it, the job requires someone who is qualified and he is not. He added that he would do anything to support Argentina, a place where he has chosen to live in with his family and obtained success as a football player but he thinks there are many young, intelligent and honest citizens who are qualified to be the Governor of Santa Fe. He continued saying that he is honored and flattered by the thought and thankful that he is offered the opportunity but in his opinion he is not qualified take the role.
In other news, the AFA has decided not to renew Maradona’s contract as Argentina’s coach, however, there will be no imminent decision on who will be the new coach. The AFA stated: “Once the Annual Assembly is completed [in the month of October], a National Selection Committee will be convened”.
The declaration means that current caretaker Sergio Batista will continue in charge until possibly the end of the year, with a new face entering in 2011 in preparation for next year’s Copa America.
Diego Maradona will reportedly remain as coach of Argentina’s national team, a decision he is expected to announce next week after meeting with Argentine Football Association president Julio Grondona. Argentina’s next friendly matches are against Ireland on August 11 in Dublin and Ukraine on October 12, venue has yet to be confirmed. They will also play 2010 World Cup champion Spain on September 7 in Buenos Aires at River Plate’s El Monumental stadium.
The state-run Argentine news agency Telam quoted Grondona as saying the meeting would be held Monday. The newspaper La Nacion said Maradona talked with Grondona on Tuesday and had agreed to a four-year deal that will keep him in charge until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
An AFA spokesman declined to confirm to The Associated Press that Maradona would continue in the job. Maradona has not talked publicly about his plans since Argentina was knocked out in the World Cup quarterfinals by Germany 2 1/2 weeks ago.
He was reported to be traveling on Tuesday to Venezuela to conduct football clinics after an invitation from Venezuela President Hugo Chavez. Argentina President Cristina Fernandez has openly supported Maradona, and a legislator has proposed building a monument to honor him.
Others have roundly criticized him, blaming his lack of tactical knowledge for Argentina’s humiliating 4-0 loss to Germany despite possessing a team replete with many of the world’s best players, including Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
Several news outlets said Maradona had turned down requests from Grondona to replace some of his assistant coaches, a move that might give the national icon help in organizing practices and tactics.
Argentina is scheduled to play a friendly on Aug. 11 against Ireland in Dublin.
Post World Cup 2010 Reports
posted by Jas, 07/06/2010
Tens of thousands of fans welcomed the Argentina team when they returned to Buenos Aires following their exit from the World Cup. Diego Maradona had hinted that he may leave but the fans made it clear that they want him to stay, chanting “Do not go, Diego”. One banner read: “May God let your enemies live long enough so they can stand up to applaud your successes.”
“I never expected people would react this way, but it’s a huge joy,” said Jonas Guttierez. “The fans gave us an incredible amount of support. We are very angry because we wanted to stay in the competition for them, but could not.” “Being managed by Maradona is a unique thing. I would like it if he were to continue, but it is his decision,” Guttierez added.
During the ‘welcome home’ party at the Argentininan FA Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Mario Bolatti spoke privately with Maradona, trying to persuade him to stay on as manager.
Meanwhile a close associate of the AFA president, Julio Grondona, said it was up to Maradona if he stayed or went. “The ideal thing would be for him to see out his contract,” said Luis Segura, chairman of Argentinos Juniors. Segura said none of Maradona’s predecessors had been sacked. “The AFA has never cut a contract short and if Diego decides to carry on, he will carry on.”
Argentina lost their quarterfinal yet again to Germany and Diego Maradona’s future as Argentina coach is unclear after the team’s devastating 4-0 loss to Germany. “I may leave tomorrow, but I’d like that these boys continue showing who they are and keep playing real Argentina football,” Maradona said, looking tired and heartbroken after the match in Cape Town.
Asked to clarify his plans for the future, he said “I’ll have to think carefully about it and talk with my family, and the players. There are many issues here. I’m as disappointed as all Argentines, to see my country lose a football match is very hard for someone who has worn the shirt.”
“Now is not the time to make these decisions,” Gabriel Heinze said. “Surely it would be better to wait until the emotion has cooled. Maradona has worked very well and it would be great for him to continue. I will defend the selection and I will defend this group,” Heinze said. “We can take some positive things from our performances in South Africa. But as always results are the most important thing and we screwed up.”
“We did not fulfil the expectations of many people,” said Messi. “I feel really terrible, and I just want to go home. We played a terrible game [against Germany] and we will have to start again. Thank you for all your support.”
Argentina: Romero; Otamendi, (Gomez 69), Demichelis, Burdisso, Heinze; Rodriguez, Mascherano, Di Maria (Aguero 76); Messi; Tevez, Higuain.
Six days after turfing England out of the World Cup with a magical display, Germany cast their spell on Argentina with a brilliant quarter-final performance.
Argentina were buried thanks to a third-minute goal from Thomas Muller and two second-half efforts from Miroslav Klose either side of one from Arne Friedrich. Even Diego Maradona would had appreciated it had he not been in the opposite dug-out. An imperious masterclass from a side on the march.
Games of this magnitude can often be dull, sterile affairs, where two giants cancel each other out completely. This spectacular never had a chance of being that way. An Argentina team containing Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, managed by one of the most creative forces there has ever been, is not exactly set up to defend. Germany’s talents are not as well known. But over the past week Joachim Low’s team have made some statement.
When Nicolas Otamendi brought Podolski down by the touchline, the start of what turned out to be a tortuous opening period for the young full-back, Bastian Schweinsteiger curled the free-kick to the near post. Muller escaped Otamendi’s attentions and rose unchallenged.
The youngster should have sent a firm header into the corner. Instead, he got the faintest touch which deceived Sergio Romero, who must have thought he was going to be beaten anyway. It shot off the Argentina keeper’s leg and rolled into the net. For a good 15 minutes, those famous blue and white shirts were seen twisting and turning in all directions as they tried to keep their opponents at bay. Klose wasted a golden opportunity to double the advantage when Muller capitalised on Gabriel Heinze’s error and squared for the veteran frontman. On his 100th appearance, it should have been his 51st goal. But he rushed the opportunity and side-footed over.
Too young to be considered for Germany’s triumphant Under-21 squad at last summer’s European Championships, what a year Muller has had. In reaching the Champions League final with Bayern Munich, he had already confirmed himself as one of the best young players in the world. On successive weekends, both England and Argentina have discovered the 20-year-old is a rich talent as well. Unfortunately, football can be a cruel sport and a harsh booking for handball means the youngster will miss Wednesday’s semi-final in Durban.
After being hurt so badly so quickly, Argentina at least managed to clear their heads and began to respond. The problem was Germany’s defence was rock solid, their movement choreographed superbly. Messi tried to sparkle but he was forced further back to gain meaningful possession, and then surrounded instantly to ensure there was no escape.
Another star name destined to leave South Africa without making a significant mark, or scoring a goal, Messi did his best with the scraps that were offered without making the mesmerising burst or defence-splitting pass his team craved.
On the touchline, Maradona stood, knowing the difference between a great player and the absolute best is their ability to produce when the pressure is at its greatest, as he did in 1986. Since then, Germany have gained revenge, both in the 1990 final and the quarter-final four years ago.
In his amusing dismissal of England, German skipper Philipp Lahm said he wanted to win inside 90 minutes, for his country to finally defeat a big team. It was time for his youthful team-mates to announce their arrival. First, a prone Muller stabbed the ball into space and set Podolski free to present Klose with a tap-in.
Then, pushing forward even though the game was won, Friedrich was on hand to finish from close range after Schweinsteiger had cut through the Argentine defence like a knife through butter. Klose finished the rout and with another four-star performance, Germany roll into the semi-finals with every chance of lifting the trophy.
