Maradona´s managerial return ends in defeat

Diego Maradona’s first game in charge of Argentine side Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata ended in a 2-1 defeat to Racing Club.

The 58-year-old was appointed by the Superliga strugglers on September 5 following a short spell out of the game for health reasons.

It is the Argentina legend’s first job in his homeland since leaving the national team in 2010 and he vowed to save Gimnasia’s season when taking over.

But reigning champions Racing added to his new side’s woes on Sunday with a narrow victory at Estadio Juan Carmelo Zerillo.

Diego está en casa #MaradonaEnGimnasia #MaradonaAzulyBlanco #Maradona #Gimnasia #Lobo #GELP #Bosque pic.twitter.com/CHDMgs2LBh

— GIMNASIA (@gimnasiaoficial) September 15, 2019

Ariel Matias Garcia cancelled out Diego Gonzalez’s first-half goal to give Maradona’s men hope of claiming a point, only for Matias Zaracho to swiftly restore the visitors’ lead in the 54th minute.

A deflated Maradona insisted his side were good value for at least a point.

“We didn’t stop looking for the equaliser. These things happen in football and you have to turn the page,” he said.

“My soul hurts because I don’t think the champions of Argentina were better than us. At no time were they better than us.

“But they have quality players who keep the ball and you can’t get it, you have to run twice as much.”

Gimnasia have now lost five and drawn one of their opening six matches and remain bottom of the table.