Soccer: Maradona 'should coach Argentina'

BUENOS AIRES - Diego Maradona should one day become Argentina's coach, according to the man in charge of his country's World Cup team.

"Diego Maradona should be the coach of Argentina," Jose Pekerman told the Argentine state newsagency Telam today.

"I'm convinced he has to decide what he wants to do but it's a situation that has to come about," said Pekerman, who refers to Maradona as his "greatest idol".

"I don't know what will happen afterwards," he added in reference to next year's World Cup.

Maradona, Argentina's greatest player and captain of their 1986 World Cup-winning team, almost joined the coaching staff last month.

He pulled out days before Argentina's match against England in Geneva without publicising his reasons.

Argentine Football Association President Julio Grondona has repeatedly said the doors to the Argentine national team are permanently open to Maradona in any capacity.

- REUTERS