|
|
Argentina captain Javier Mascherano insists squad was behind ex-coach Diego Maradona
Liverpool midfielder supports legend...
3 Aug 2010 14:29:00
By Matt Monaghan
Argentina's World Cup 2010 skipper Javier Mascherano has rubbished reports player power was behind Diego Maradona's exit as head coach.
Mascherano, 26, captained the side to a devastating 4-0 quarter-final defeat to Germany in South Africa. Following the thrashing, rumours emerged of a split-camp as the squad turned on the tactics of their 49-year-old leader.
Speaking to Radio Rivadavia, Mascherano dismissed claims that the team turned on Maradona.
He said: "There was a climate of total harmony and in the years I have been with the national team I have never seen anything like it.
"It hurts to see these things."
Maradona has since been sacked by the Argentine Football Federation after the disappointing performance during the summer. The Liverpool midfielder insisted no-one showed disrespect to their ex-boss.
"I heard that we didn't respect Maradona and that is a lie," he said.
"I don't need to grab a microphone to back him. The best way to do it is on the pitch and in the training camp - each one of us did what we had to do."
He continued: "We have to analyse it - not just that match but the rest of the games as well.
"The main thing is the project. It's fundamental to look for that and then see who the ideal person is to lead it [as coach].
"But we need a plan. Spain didn't win the Euro and the World Cup by chance. It's a project, from the youngest to the oldest."
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
Mascherano, 26, captained the side to a devastating 4-0 quarter-final defeat to Germany in South Africa. Following the thrashing, rumours emerged of a split-camp as the squad turned on the tactics of their 49-year-old leader.
Speaking to Radio Rivadavia, Mascherano dismissed claims that the team turned on Maradona.
He said: "There was a climate of total harmony and in the years I have been with the national team I have never seen anything like it.
"It hurts to see these things."
Maradona has since been sacked by the Argentine Football Federation after the disappointing performance during the summer. The Liverpool midfielder insisted no-one showed disrespect to their ex-boss.
"I heard that we didn't respect Maradona and that is a lie," he said.
"I don't need to grab a microphone to back him. The best way to do it is on the pitch and in the training camp - each one of us did what we had to do."
He continued: "We have to analyse it - not just that match but the rest of the games as well.
"The main thing is the project. It's fundamental to look for that and then see who the ideal person is to lead it [as coach].
"But we need a plan. Spain didn't win the Euro and the World Cup by chance. It's a project, from the youngest to the oldest."
Our 
provides the best breaking news online and our 
football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!
provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
