Maradona Takes First Training Session

Diego Maradona took charge of his first official training session as the coach of the Argentine national team in Glasgow on Monday afternoon, as his side prepare for Wednesday's highly anticipated friendly against Scotland.

Nov 17, 2008 5:54:21 PM

Diego Maradona - Argentina (PA)

On Monday afternoon Diego Armando Maradona formally commenced work as the coach of the Argentine national team in Glasgow, Scotland.

Argentina will face the Scots in a friendly match at Hampden Park on Wednesday.

At 6:20 pm Maradona entered the field of Celtic Park, as his squad waited for his arrival on the center circle. Dressed in the official gear of the national team, a beanie, and gloves, Diego stood in front of his players with physical trainer Fernando Signorini.

Before beginning the session Maradona and Signorini spoke to the players for five minutes, and once the conversation ended they began working.

The only four players who didn't listen to the chat were German Denis, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Lisandro Lopez, and Luis 'Lucho' Gonzalez. They joined the group 15 minutes later.

Maradona is still waiting for the rest of his squad to arrive in Scotland, including home-based players Daniel Montenegro, Cristian Villagra, and Emiliano Papa.

Yesterday Maradona affirmed that Lionel Messi will be a key member of his squad, even if he wasn't released for the friendly. He also said Juan Roman Riquelme will wear the number 10 shirt.

Despite speculation from the world-wide press that attended the training session, Maradona did not give any indication of what his starting XI would look like, or even the formation which he will opt for against Scotland.

--Gregory Sica, Goal.com

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