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World Cup 2010: Diego Maradona looks forward to knockout stages with Argentina
The outspoken coach is happy with what he has seen so far...
23 Jun 2010 15:25:00
By Daniel Edwards
Argentina coach Diego Maradona is pleased with his team for passing through the group stages, but has warned them that they must also cut out the mistakes in defence.
"Against Greece everyone did what they needed to do, they fulfiled every requirement. But I am going to pick the best that I have now, now it is pass or die," the controversial trainer asserted in Wednesday's press conference, stating his intention to bring back stars such as Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Heinze for the upcoming clash against Mexico.
Dieguito also admitted that his defence needs to cut out the slips as the Albiceleste pass on to play tournament favourites such as Brazil or Germany, games where one mistake could prove to be fatal.
"The team is very solid, but maybe at times we have taken our eye off the ball in defence, like when [Greece's Giorgios] Samaras was almost put through," he noted.
"This has been spoken about however. We know from now that you make one error, and you could be on the plane home."
There is no suggestion yet as to what XI will run out on Sunday for the last 16 tie with Mexico; the second string got a chance to impress against Greece on Tuesday, and Maradona highlighted the play of his two second-choice full backs in the 2-0 victory.
"Clemente [Rodriguez] did what he always does on both sides of the pitch, he is fantastic. He can mark, he is quick... What more do you want? But from my point of view, [Nicolas] Otamendi was man of the match."
And 'El Pelusa' finished by sending a personal message to the Argentine people, who have shown massive support both in Argentina and South Africa.
"I think that the people feel a part of the team when we attack, when we make changes to come out up front," he said.
"This is a team that is always seeking and altering its shape. That is real Argentine football: one touch and attractive. The people are content, and they can be relaxed. We are going to give everything when we play.
| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.33 | Draw £37.50 | Mexico £55.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £16.20 | Draw £42.00 | Mexico £50.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £16.15 | Draw £38.00 | Mexico £55.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.70 | Draw £38.00 | Mexico £60.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.80 | Draw £41.00 | Mexico £57.00 |
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Dieguito also admitted that his defence needs to cut out the slips as the Albiceleste pass on to play tournament favourites such as Brazil or Germany, games where one mistake could prove to be fatal.
"The team is very solid, but maybe at times we have taken our eye off the ball in defence, like when [Greece's Giorgios] Samaras was almost put through," he noted.
"This has been spoken about however. We know from now that you make one error, and you could be on the plane home."
There is no suggestion yet as to what XI will run out on Sunday for the last 16 tie with Mexico; the second string got a chance to impress against Greece on Tuesday, and Maradona highlighted the play of his two second-choice full backs in the 2-0 victory.
"Clemente [Rodriguez] did what he always does on both sides of the pitch, he is fantastic. He can mark, he is quick... What more do you want? But from my point of view, [Nicolas] Otamendi was man of the match."
And 'El Pelusa' finished by sending a personal message to the Argentine people, who have shown massive support both in Argentina and South Africa.
"I think that the people feel a part of the team when we attack, when we make changes to come out up front," he said.
"This is a team that is always seeking and altering its shape. That is real Argentine football: one touch and attractive. The people are content, and they can be relaxed. We are going to give everything when we play.
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