Maradona still brazil world cup 2014

Two years ago, when they first hinted that he would be the national coach of Argentina, the groan could be heard across the globe.

As a player, the squat Diego Maradona (picture) had no peers during his heyday as he led his country to the 1986 World Cup title.

But as a coach?

Many saw him - and they still do - as a poor tactician, an unqualified coach whose main asset is cheer-leading. Despite the team oozing talent with the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain, they were a letdown in defence.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) disagree and insist they want the 49-year-old to continue as coach until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Ernesto Cherquis Bialo, a spokesman for the association, told reporters that AFA president Julio Grondona will meet Maradona next week to discuss the offer.

It comes two weeks after Argentina were knocked out of the 2010 World Cup. As he walked off the pitch after that crushing exit, Maradona hinted it was time for him to quit.

But in contrast to the frosty reception given to coaches from Brazil and England after their disappointing early exits in South Africa, Maradona received a hero's welcome, with more than 20,000 fans greeting him at the airport, while he was urged to stay on by Argentine President Cristina Fernandez.

"Hang in there, Maradona," Fernandez had said. "No Argentine has given us as much happiness on the soccer field."

The man himself has said little since, locking himself in his home in suburban Buenos Aires.

Cherquis Bialo said the association did not have another coach in mind should Maradona turn down the deal.

He also suggested that Argentina's performance in the World Cup had been respectable.

"Fifth place is below what people here expect," Cherquis Bialo said. "But it's not embarrassing to an Argentine team."

His mention of fifth place was a little presumptuous as there was no playoff among the four eliminated quarter-finalists.

Argentina have not won a major title since claiming the Copa America in 1993.

Public opinion remains divided about Maradona, who is a national icon as a player and an Argentine legislator has proposed building a monument to honour him.

Many of his players, including Barcelona's Messi, have said the coach should make his own decision about staying on. Agencies