Argentina still to line-up Maradona successor

Argentina have yet to approach any potential successors to take charge of the national team following the bitter departure of Diego Maradona, manager Carlos Bilardo said on Sunday.

“Julio Grondona (the Argentina Football Association) president has spoken to nobody and has told me nothing,” said Bilardo. “We are waiting. Anything could happen.”

Maradona accused Grondona and Bilardo of deceit and betrayal, blaming the pair for plotting his downfall last week.

“Grondona lied to me. Bilardo betrayed me,” Maradona claimed after his colourful and controversial reign as Argentina coach came to an abrupt end.

But Bilardo has dismissed the claims of the man who was part of his 1986 World Cup-winning team.

“I am sure it’s not him who is guilty, but his entourage. I defended and I will continue to defend Maradona to the death,” said Bilardo.