|
|
Argentina FA president Julio Grondona dreams of Barcelona's Pep Guardiola's appointment
The 80-year-old believes that the Spanish coach could would be the right man to guide the national team, while stating that the country is proud to have a player like Lionel Messi
11 Jan 2012 23:00:00
By Luis Mira
grondona
Argentina FA president Julio Grondona has conceded he would be delighted to bring Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola to La Albiceleste.
The 40-year-old took charge of Barca's first team in 2008 and has helped the Catalan giants win 13 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crown since then.
Argentina have changed coaches twice since the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa as Sergio Batista took over from Diego Maradona before being replaced by Alejandro Sabella in the summer.
"If the Argentina FA had the financial possibility, Guardiola would be the coach of the national team," Grondona told Ona FM.
"It would be a dream to appoint him as coach."
Grondona then noted that he hopes Messi will help Argentina win the World Cup, but stressed that the 24-year-old's lack of international silverware does not raise questions about his talent.
"It would be very important that Messi won a World Cup with Argentina," he explained." But it is not necessary that he does it to be the best, considering all that he has won.
"There is no doubt that, although Argentina have not won a World Cup title [with Messi], we have won one of the best players in the world.
"We are proud of Messi, not the other way around."
Earlier on Wednesday, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner revealed he would like to play in his homeland before calling time on his career.
| Bet: | Returns: | Argentina £24.50 | Draw £32.50 | Brazil £26.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Argentina £25.00 | Draw £33.00 | Brazil £26.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Argentina £26.00 | Draw £33.00 | Brazil £26.30 |
|
The 40-year-old took charge of Barca's first team in 2008 and has helped the Catalan giants win 13 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crown since then.
Argentina have changed coaches twice since the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa as Sergio Batista took over from Diego Maradona before being replaced by Alejandro Sabella in the summer.
"If the Argentina FA had the financial possibility, Guardiola would be the coach of the national team," Grondona told Ona FM.
"It would be a dream to appoint him as coach."
Grondona then noted that he hopes Messi will help Argentina win the World Cup, but stressed that the 24-year-old's lack of international silverware does not raise questions about his talent.
"It would be very important that Messi won a World Cup with Argentina," he explained." But it is not necessary that he does it to be the best, considering all that he has won.
"There is no doubt that, although Argentina have not won a World Cup title [with Messi], we have won one of the best players in the world.
"We are proud of Messi, not the other way around."
Earlier on Wednesday, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner revealed he would like to play in his homeland before calling time on his career.
Starting in November and continuing through January, Goal.com is publishing exclusive extracts from Graham Hunter's highly-anticipated new book, 'Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World'. On Friday, the latest extract will take a closer look at the exciting emergence of Fifa Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi at Camp Nou: Don't miss it!
| 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! |
|
Make Your Prediction
Argentina - Brazil
Argentina
Brazil
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
Argentina 3-1 Brazil
- 15.21 %
-
Argentina 2-1 Brazil
- 13.26 %
-
Argentina 1-2 Brazil
- 9.89 %
Inside Goal.Com
-
Omission of Ferdinand & Richards bites back at Hodgson
The Manchester United man's absence from the Three Lions squad continues to dominate debate after the Chelsea defender is ruled out and Liverpool youngster called up in his place
-
Mock the Weekend: Euro 2012 a push too far for Cahill
The Three Lions can count themselves fortunate not to be clouded by Italy's off-the-field problems, while Eden Hazard fails to live up to his own billing at Wembley
-
Why England are injury-ravaged before a tournament
The absence of Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and shows just how much club commitments take their toll on the national team as Euro 2012 looms
-
Goal.com readers back Richards over Rio & Kelly
The fans have spoken and a small majority believe the Manchester City right-back was the right choice to deputise in place of the Chelsea centre-back who suffered a broken jaw
-
Hodgson’s headaches: How to utilise Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Arsenal starlet has proved himself capable on the big stage and effective in a number of positions for his club, but how much will he be trusted at the Euros?
