Maradona: We Don't Do Friendlies

With his first test as Argentina coach looming large, Diego Maradona has insisted that his side will "fight from the very first minute" in this week's clash with Scotland...

Nov 17, 2008 5:36:13 AM

Ahead of the friendly clash between Scotland and Argentina - los Albicelestes' new coach Diego Maradona is greeted by the welcome party at the airport

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Diego Armando Maradona

The South American giants have set up camp in Glasgow ahead of Wednesday night's fixture at Hampden Park, which will mark a special occasion for Argentine football.

It will be Maradona's very first game in charge of los Albicelestes, and the whole world is waiting to see whether his coaching skills match up to his legendary talents as a player.

The 48-year-old has certainly retained his famous tenacity, as he declared that his players will be aiming to win every 50-50 challenge against George Burley's men.

"A nation like Argentina does not play friendlies," Maradona said in the Daily Mail.

"We are in the middle of a World Cup campaign and Wednesday night's match must be treated in the same way.

"My players must fight from the very first minute to win the ball against Scotland."

Argentina have been struggling in World Cup qualifying. They sit third in the South American sector, some seven points adrift of surprise leaders Paraguay.

Maradona added: "I hope to see a greater performance from the squad than the last match against Chile."

Leslie May

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