Argentina’s players are presenting a united front in support of controversial coach Diego Maradona, ahead of their opening World Cup Group B fixture against Nigeria on Saturday.

The Albiceleste have no recognised full-backs, a system which has the support of the players, according to midfielder Jonas Gutierrez, who will be asked to play a more defensive role than he does for his club, EPL Newcastle United.

 

The 28-year-old said: “It isn’t so different a position to that which I normally play.

“I will have to be a little more aware of my defensive duties but apart from that it’s pretty much the same.”

Gutierrez said the squad have “great trust” in coach Maradona. And Bayern Munich centre-back Martin Demichelis also praised the 1986 World Cup-winning captain, saying:

“He motivates us and gives us energy and hunger to do well. He’s a very important figure.”

Maradona’s most controversial selection was 36-year-old Boca Juniors striker Martin Palermo, described mischievously in some quarters as Maradona’s “friend.”

Palermo is likely to be a substitute, in his first World Cup. But the seemingly starstruck veteran said: “You cannot compare this to anything I have experienced before. I keep telling my team-mates how amazing they are.”