Thursday, March 28, 2024

Maradona ´delays European scouting trip´

SoccerNews in World Cup 1 Nov 2008

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New Argentina coach Diego Maradona will postpone a European scouting tour he was set to make this weekend after being appointed coach, media reports said.

The former Barcelona and Napoli star had been set to return to the countries he played his club football in, as well as heading to England, to assess the Argentinian players there – including the likes of Manchester United's Carlos Tevez and Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Maradona makes his managerial debut in a friendly against Scotland in Glasgow on November 19, followed by a match with France in Marseille next February.

On Thursday, the new coach told a press conference: “I am travelling to England on Saturday to watch (Carlos) Tevez and (Javier) Mascherano play. And in Scotland I am going to make my coaching debut.”

But media reports said he would stay in Argentina at least til Tuesday – the day he is due officially to be unveiled in his post – as he put the final touches to his squad.

Mascherano's club boss, Liverpool's Rafael Benitez, on Friday had welcomed Maradona's plans to come to England, saying he would roll out the red carpet.

“Diego will be very welcome to come to our training ground next week, and to see the match. Maybe I can persuade him to take a few free-kicks!”

Maradona was confirmed as the new coach on Tuesday to replace Alfio Basile, who resigned after a World Cup qualifying defeat to Chile left them trailing group leaders Paraguay.

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