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Diego Maradona on verge of becoming coach of Iraq

Argentine legend awaiting talks according to representative

Simon Rice
Friday 21 December 2012 14:05 GMT
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Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona

The bizarre managerial path of Diego Maradona looks set to take another intriquing turn, with the Argentine legend on the verge of becoming manager of Iraq.

During the twilight of his playing days, which including winning the 1986 World Cup, Maradona had stints in charge of Mandiyú of Corrientes and Racing Club, although both ended with little success.

That didn't stop him becoming coach of the national team in 2008. It was a role for which he will be best remembered for his tirade against journalists in which he told them "suck it and keep on sucking it" after Argentina narrowly qualified for the 2010 World Cup.

At the tournament in South Africa, Argentina performed strongly until a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Germany in the quarter-finals. Against his wishes, Maradona was disposed of after the tournament.

In May 2011 he then went to Dubai to manager Al Wasl FC, but despite heavy investment the team failed to progress and Mardona was sacked a year later.

Despite such a poor record in management, Iraq have decided he is the man to guide them to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil according to one of the 52-year-old's representatives.

While still a consultant for Al Wasl FC, Maradona is said to be awaiting the outcome of a meeting with the Iraqi Football Federation which is taking place today.

"Diego is really enthused and phones us every day. He doesn't just want to coach [Iraq] for the next six months, but long-term," said Hernán Tofoni, who is heading up talks with Iraq.

Iraq, ranked 92nd in the world, are in need of a full time manager after former Brazil player Zico quit the post last month.

"He is excited by the fact that it's a challenge and that he'd be going to replace Zico," added Tofoni.

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