Maradona: It’s a dream come true
In the eyes of many, Diego Maradona is the greatest player ever to have graced the game. Having acquired huge popularity the world over and cheated death a few short years ago, the 48-year-old legend is enjoying life again at the helm of his beloved Argentina.
Now a doting grandfather, Maradona sat down with FIFA.com for a typically frank chat about his battle against adversity, playing for and coaching La Albiceleste, Lionel Messi, Fidel Castro and much more. Part two of this interview, in which the legendary No10 gives his views on Pele, Brazil and his duels against A Seleçao, will be published shortly.
FIFA.com: Diego, you have been in the Argentina job for nine months now. Has it been a bit like becoming a father?
Diego Maradona: A bit, yes. I’ve only had the boys together for a month and a half in all that time, so I really don’t get much chance to work and spend time with them. It was great when I came into the job but now I have to start getting some things through to those 25 little heads, such as what they need to do on and off the pitch. I’ve been through all that and that’s why I’m giving the squad the benefit of my experience.
Are you enjoying it?
It’s hard. I enjoyed things more when I was playing but I’m making sure I fulfil my responsibilities. Everybody knows I’ve been through some difficult times but I managed to pull myself together, and here I am in charge of the Argentina team. It’s a dream come true.
Is it tougher than you expected?
It’s tough for the reasons I’ve just mentioned. You’re always on the phone, trying to find out how the players are. Every day I meet with the coaching staff to find out how (Lionel) Messi, (Sergio) Aguero, Maxi Rodriguez and everyone have been doing in training, to see if Jonas Gutierrez has been playing. It’s more about logistics than actually watching them, but that’s just the way things are. I know for sure that the Brazil game will be the key to qualification. Then we’re off to Paraguay, where we’ve also got a great chance of winning. God willing, I’ll have them all together for 20 days before the World Cup and that’s when we’ll lay the ground work to give ourselves the best possible chance of becoming world champions.
Let’s look back at your time in charge. How many interviews have you given since taking over?
A lot. But I try not to go on too many programmes. A coach has to know when to be seen. Just because I’m Maradona and the national coach doesn’t mean I have to be everywhere and please everyone. The players are the real stars. They’re the ones who should come out and do the talking.
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