Argentina coach Diego Maradona is considering his future in the role after his side were unceremoniously dumped out of the World Cup by an impressive Germany.

Last night, a dejected Maradona said: “I may leave tomorrow. I’ll have to think carefully about it and talk with my family and the players. There are many issues here.”

 

Not the least of these is Maradona’s lack of coaching experience. The 1986 World Cup winning-captain, who also led an average Argentina to 1990’s final, was criticised in Argentina before the tournament and will doubtless be so again.

But whatever he may have lacked technically, he surely made up for inspirationally, as no manager since 1990 has taken the Albiceleste beyond the quarter-final stage reached by Maradona.

The 49-year-old added: “This is the hardest thing I have experienced. To lose in front of so many good players, such good people, such good professionals is like getting punched by Muhammad Ali. I have no strength for anything.

“To see my country lose a football match is very hard for someone who has worn the shirt.”

He insisted, however, that “whoever comes in must carry on this (attacking football) path, which is the one Argentines like.”