|
|
Al Wasl boss Diego Maradona: We're not after Raul, but I'd love Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Xavi
The Argentine legend wants to make squad changes during the transfer window but says he's working within a budget and won't be signing players like Didier Drogba or Raul.
Jan 4, 2012 12:47:00 AM
By Ben Somerford
Al Wasl coach Diego Maradona has rubbished speculation linking his side with a move for Schalke's Spanish forward Raul and jokingly admitted he'd prefer the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Xavi.
Maradona has made it clear this week that he wants reinforcements for his Al Wasl squad which currently sits in sixth in the UAE Pro-League.
Reports in the German media had linked Raul, who is out of contract at Schalke at the end of this season, to Al Wasl but Maradona quashed the rumors.
“When it comes to Raul, there is no truth in the stories," Maradona told reporters.
The Argentine jokingly added: "The foreign players we would like are Messi, Aguero and Xavi, and if we get those, I'm sure we can find an Asian player to join them."
Maradona is expected to allow duo Edson Puch and Richard Porta to leave the club to open up foreign spots in their squad, but revealed he was working within a tight budget and downplayed any suggestion of big names moving to the Zabeel outfit.
“Whoever comes in, it will depend on the price. Price is a major factor when evaluating our targets. Players like (Didier) Drogba don't fit into that," Maradona said.
"We have a budget and we have to find a better way of dealing with that budget so we can be more competitive."
Maradona did confirm the positions of players he was after, claiming they need a "center back, a forward who can play both right and left side, a strong winger and a striker."
Maradona has made it clear this week that he wants reinforcements for his Al Wasl squad which currently sits in sixth in the UAE Pro-League.
Reports in the German media had linked Raul, who is out of contract at Schalke at the end of this season, to Al Wasl but Maradona quashed the rumors.
“When it comes to Raul, there is no truth in the stories," Maradona told reporters.
The Argentine jokingly added: "The foreign players we would like are Messi, Aguero and Xavi, and if we get those, I'm sure we can find an Asian player to join them."
Maradona is expected to allow duo Edson Puch and Richard Porta to leave the club to open up foreign spots in their squad, but revealed he was working within a tight budget and downplayed any suggestion of big names moving to the Zabeel outfit.
“Whoever comes in, it will depend on the price. Price is a major factor when evaluating our targets. Players like (Didier) Drogba don't fit into that," Maradona said.
"We have a budget and we have to find a better way of dealing with that budget so we can be more competitive."
Maradona did confirm the positions of players he was after, claiming they need a "center back, a forward who can play both right and left side, a strong winger and a striker."
Follow Goal.com on 
to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's 
page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!
to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!
Inside Goal.Com
-
EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI
Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.