Maradona plays down UAE coaching offer

Al Wasl coach Diego Maradona has denied he has been approached to take over the UAE national team.

Maradona has been one of many big names, including Giovanni Trapattoni, Marcello Lippi, Marco Van Basten, Dick Advocaat and Abel Braga, linked with the UAE job which is currently occupied on an interim basis by Abdullah Misfir following Srecko Katanec’s sacking last September.

Maradona’s denial he is in the running for the role comes despite the UAE Football Association (UAE FA) chairman stating the two parties were in discussions.

Yousef Al Serkal told Sport360 last week a three-man shortlist had been formed and added: “Yes, we have spoken to Maradona along with two other prominent names.”

However, when speaking to reporters Maradona denied any approach had been made by the UAE FA.

“I swear on my grandson Benjamin’s life that no approach was made about this,” the former Argentina coach said.

“I’m happy to hear about the interest and of course it would be an honour to coach the team.”

“I will continue to coach Wasl and I’m happy doing this that’s why I’m here. I have a commitment with the club and I’m happy to prepare them for the next match.”

Earlier this week, Al Serkal labelled speculation linking Trapattoni with the job as ‘completely baseless’.