Diego Maradona has accused Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona and Carlos Bilardo of betrayal.
Maradona, whose side suffered a humiliating defeat by Germany in the quarter-finals of the World Cup this summer, met with Grondona to discuss his future and a possible renewal of his contract.
He was told at the meeting the board were only prepared to keep him in if he changed substantial numbers of his backroom team, something Maradona was unprepared to do.
And the World Cup winner claims they knew full well it was a stipulation he would never agree to - and tantamount to sacking him.
Maradona read out a statement to reporters, saying: "Grondona lied to me. Bilardo betrayed me.
"Having recovered from the sadness of the elimination, we were all ready to go on, knowing that we would have much more time to work.
"After the elimination, Grondona told me in dressing room that he was very happy with my work and wanted me to continue. There were witnesses and players there.
"When we were back in Argentina, things became darker.
"On Monday, I met Grondona and after five minutes he told me he wanted me to continue, but seven of my staff should not go on.
"If he told me that, it meant he did not want me to keep working.
"He knows that it would be impossible for me to continue if my assistants didn't continue too. I defend all of them.
"Maybe some of the people who made this decision thought I would betray them. Maybe it was because they would betray their assistants if they were me. But I will not do that."Maradona was appointed in October 2008 to succeed Alfio Basile, who quit amid a difficult campaign in the World Cup qualifiers and a strained relationship with the players.
And the 49-year-old, whose accusations are particularly striking given Bilardo was the national coach when he starred in Argentina's 1986 World Cup win, said he had wanted four years to work with the players up to the 2014 tournament.
"We took over one and a half years ago, in the middle of the qualifying campaign, with internal problems and a divided group of players," he said.
"We took over knowing that we should transmit the pride of wearing the Argentina shirt.
"We made good and bad decisions. After some self-analysis, we know what we did right and what things we should improve.
"Since 1990, the national team have not got past the quarter-finals. Several coaching staffs have worked and nobody has achieved that.
"Something is being done wrong because our players succeed all around the world at their clubs. Some things are done badly and there is no will to change them."
Estudiantes boss Alejandro Sabella, who assisted Argentina boss Daniel Passarella in the 1998 World Cup, and Racing Club coach Miguel Angel Russo are reported to be the candidates to succeed Maradona.
"Whoever takes over, he has to know treason is close. Some people here do not love Argentinian football. They take care only of their personal interests and bank accounts," Maradona added.
Finally, Maradona said: "You know all I did for the Argentina shirt. I gave everything for it.
"I'm sure Argentinian football deserves to be in a better position.
"I know the players felt the pride of wearing the shirt again, after a long time. Maybe that was my duty here."
"I am content for having transmitted the pride of being Argentinian."
Thursday, July 29, 2010
football:UEFA Champions League Review
There were a few surprises and shocks during the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
Celtic are on the precipice of falling out of the Champions League after losing to Braga 3-0.
The Scottish side failed to muster a single shot on target in sweltering conditions despite facing unheralded opponents.
Manager Neil Lennon had insisted he would field winger Aiden McGeady - who is rumoured to want to leave - unless he was ordered not to pick him by the club's hierarchy.
In the end, four players were handed their competitive debuts, with summer signings Joe Ledley, Charlie Mulgrew, Efrain Juarez and Cha Du-Ri all in the starting XI, and McGeady left out of the crucial clash.
Celtic's terrible away record in the Champions League continued when the hosts were awarded a controversial penalty after Ki Sung-Yeung was adjudged to have handled Miguel Garcia's cross, earning a booking. Alan fired the spot-kick into the roof of the net to put Braga ahead.
The Portuguese side doubled their lead in the 76th minute when Nigerian defender Uwa Elderson Echiejile headed in a corner, and when Brazilian substitute Nascimento Matheus scored a sensational free-kick from 35 yards in the 88th minute, Celtic had been left with a mountain to climb at Parkhead in the return leg next week.
Fellow European giant Ajax Amsterdam could only manage a draw against lowly PAOK FC, despite having the lion's share of chances and playing at home in the Amsterdam Arena.
Manager Martin Jol took a gamble on the fitness of his World Cup stars and started with Uruguayan Luis Suarez, Dutchman Nigel De Jong, and Netherlands number one Maarten Stekelenburg despite worries about their match fitness after returning from South Africa.
His gamble on Suarez paid off handsomely as the striker came close to scoring several times, and hit the net in the 13th minute of the match to give the Dutch side the lead.
Ajax were unable to hold on to their lead though, with the veteran Vladimir Ivic popping up from the middle of the park to score an equalizer for the Greeks in the 73rd minute.
There were plenty of missed opportunities for Ajax even after that, but fading legs meant that PAOK took home a valuable away goal in the draw.
On the other hand, Partizan Belgrade took a huge step closer to the play-off round with a 3-0 home win over HJK Helsinki of Finland with goals from Ivica Iliev, Sasa Ilic and Cleo.
The Serbian Superliga champions crushed the Finnish side and made the best of their numerous chances, while Helsinki had problems making any meaningful forays into their opponent's half in Belgarde.
The final score reflected accurately the number of shooting chances created by both sides, and Partizan will be confident that they can hold on to their lead in the second leg of the qualifying round.
Turkish side Fenerbache had been surprised by Swiss side BSC Young Boys, who snatched a 2-2 draw when Moreno Costanzo scored a late penalty for the Swiss hosts that prevented ten-man Fenerbahçe from taking a lead into next week's decider.
Young Boys, who came in second after bring pipped to the Super Swiss League title by Basel FC last season, put the Turkish side under tremendous pressure several times, with 11 shots on goal.
But Fenerbache made their chances count, scoring twice with the two clear chances they got in the first half.
Karim Richards 43rd minute sending off for the Turkish side proved to be an influential factor in the match, with tired legs towards the end contributing to a late equaliser from the penalty spot scored by the 22-year-old Moreno Costanzo in the 89th minute.
Elsewhere, Swiss side FC Basel defeated Hungary's Debrecen 2-0, while Dinamo Zagreb and Sheriff Tiraspol could only manage a 1-1 draw.
Aktobe Lento took a one goal advantage in the tie against Hapoel, winning 1-0, while BATE Borisov's clash with FC Cophenhagen ended in a stalemate at 0-0.
Celtic are on the precipice of falling out of the Champions League after losing to Braga 3-0.
The Scottish side failed to muster a single shot on target in sweltering conditions despite facing unheralded opponents.
Manager Neil Lennon had insisted he would field winger Aiden McGeady - who is rumoured to want to leave - unless he was ordered not to pick him by the club's hierarchy.
In the end, four players were handed their competitive debuts, with summer signings Joe Ledley, Charlie Mulgrew, Efrain Juarez and Cha Du-Ri all in the starting XI, and McGeady left out of the crucial clash.
Celtic's terrible away record in the Champions League continued when the hosts were awarded a controversial penalty after Ki Sung-Yeung was adjudged to have handled Miguel Garcia's cross, earning a booking. Alan fired the spot-kick into the roof of the net to put Braga ahead.
The Portuguese side doubled their lead in the 76th minute when Nigerian defender Uwa Elderson Echiejile headed in a corner, and when Brazilian substitute Nascimento Matheus scored a sensational free-kick from 35 yards in the 88th minute, Celtic had been left with a mountain to climb at Parkhead in the return leg next week.
Fellow European giant Ajax Amsterdam could only manage a draw against lowly PAOK FC, despite having the lion's share of chances and playing at home in the Amsterdam Arena.
Manager Martin Jol took a gamble on the fitness of his World Cup stars and started with Uruguayan Luis Suarez, Dutchman Nigel De Jong, and Netherlands number one Maarten Stekelenburg despite worries about their match fitness after returning from South Africa.
His gamble on Suarez paid off handsomely as the striker came close to scoring several times, and hit the net in the 13th minute of the match to give the Dutch side the lead.
Ajax were unable to hold on to their lead though, with the veteran Vladimir Ivic popping up from the middle of the park to score an equalizer for the Greeks in the 73rd minute.
There were plenty of missed opportunities for Ajax even after that, but fading legs meant that PAOK took home a valuable away goal in the draw.
On the other hand, Partizan Belgrade took a huge step closer to the play-off round with a 3-0 home win over HJK Helsinki of Finland with goals from Ivica Iliev, Sasa Ilic and Cleo.
The Serbian Superliga champions crushed the Finnish side and made the best of their numerous chances, while Helsinki had problems making any meaningful forays into their opponent's half in Belgarde.
The final score reflected accurately the number of shooting chances created by both sides, and Partizan will be confident that they can hold on to their lead in the second leg of the qualifying round.
Turkish side Fenerbache had been surprised by Swiss side BSC Young Boys, who snatched a 2-2 draw when Moreno Costanzo scored a late penalty for the Swiss hosts that prevented ten-man Fenerbahçe from taking a lead into next week's decider.
Young Boys, who came in second after bring pipped to the Super Swiss League title by Basel FC last season, put the Turkish side under tremendous pressure several times, with 11 shots on goal.
But Fenerbache made their chances count, scoring twice with the two clear chances they got in the first half.
Karim Richards 43rd minute sending off for the Turkish side proved to be an influential factor in the match, with tired legs towards the end contributing to a late equaliser from the penalty spot scored by the 22-year-old Moreno Costanzo in the 89th minute.
Elsewhere, Swiss side FC Basel defeated Hungary's Debrecen 2-0, while Dinamo Zagreb and Sheriff Tiraspol could only manage a 1-1 draw.
Aktobe Lento took a one goal advantage in the tie against Hapoel, winning 1-0, while BATE Borisov's clash with FC Cophenhagen ended in a stalemate at 0-0.
football:City are on the cusp of greatness!"
Brian Kidd has warned Sir Alex Ferguson that Manchester City is close to the brink on a great era.
Kidd, currently the number two man at the Citizens, had been Ferguson's assistant when United began their accumulation of silverware under the Manchester United manager.
With £76 million already spent this summer, it is clear that the club has great ambitions to be contenders for the Premier League title this season.
Kidd believes that if City were able to win a title that it could spark a run of great success for the club.
"It's similar to how it was at United when we won that first title. We just need a trophy to get us on a roll," Kidd told The Sun.
"When we won the League Cup in 1992, everybody was doing cartwheels because we had qualified for Europe. That's what it meant.
"But it went on from there. We need the first trophy at City and, once we win one, the mentality will grow.
"I honestly believe there are a lot of talented players here. We have a great squad now."
City's trophy cabinet has not had any new additions in 34 years, but the 61-year-old believes that the club just need some initial success to spark off a run like Manchester United did before.
"When you look at it, United won the league and that's how it grows. It's about silverware, it's a results business.
"That's what happens. It grows and you want more. It's like goalscorers - if they have a lean time, they get worried.
"But if a striker scores one then things change and the others start to come. It's a mindset. The demands are huge but, once something happens, it sparks other things."
Kidd, currently the number two man at the Citizens, had been Ferguson's assistant when United began their accumulation of silverware under the Manchester United manager.
With £76 million already spent this summer, it is clear that the club has great ambitions to be contenders for the Premier League title this season.
Kidd believes that if City were able to win a title that it could spark a run of great success for the club.
"It's similar to how it was at United when we won that first title. We just need a trophy to get us on a roll," Kidd told The Sun.
"When we won the League Cup in 1992, everybody was doing cartwheels because we had qualified for Europe. That's what it meant.
"But it went on from there. We need the first trophy at City and, once we win one, the mentality will grow.
"I honestly believe there are a lot of talented players here. We have a great squad now."
City's trophy cabinet has not had any new additions in 34 years, but the 61-year-old believes that the club just need some initial success to spark off a run like Manchester United did before.
"When you look at it, United won the league and that's how it grows. It's about silverware, it's a results business.
"That's what happens. It grows and you want more. It's like goalscorers - if they have a lean time, they get worried.
"But if a striker scores one then things change and the others start to come. It's a mindset. The demands are huge but, once something happens, it sparks other things."
football:City are on the cusp of greatness!"
Brian Kidd has warned Sir Alex Ferguson that Manchester City is close to the brink on a great era.
Kidd, currently the number two man at the Citizens, had been Ferguson's assistant when United began their accumulation of silverware under the Manchester United manager.
With £76 million already spent this summer, it is clear that the club has great ambitions to be contenders for the Premier League title this season.
Kidd believes that if City were able to win a title that it could spark a run of great success for the club.
"It's similar to how it was at United when we won that first title. We just need a trophy to get us on a roll," Kidd told The Sun.
"When we won the League Cup in 1992, everybody was doing cartwheels because we had qualified for Europe. That's what it meant.
"But it went on from there. We need the first trophy at City and, once we win one, the mentality will grow.
"I honestly believe there are a lot of talented players here. We have a great squad now."
City's trophy cabinet has not had any new additions in 34 years, but the 61-year-old believes that the club just need some initial success to spark off a run like Manchester United did before.
"When you look at it, United won the league and that's how it grows. It's about silverware, it's a results business.
"That's what happens. It grows and you want more. It's like goalscorers - if they have a lean time, they get worried.
"But if a striker scores one then things change and the others start to come. It's a mindset. The demands are huge but, once something happens, it sparks other things."
Kidd, currently the number two man at the Citizens, had been Ferguson's assistant when United began their accumulation of silverware under the Manchester United manager.
With £76 million already spent this summer, it is clear that the club has great ambitions to be contenders for the Premier League title this season.
Kidd believes that if City were able to win a title that it could spark a run of great success for the club.
"It's similar to how it was at United when we won that first title. We just need a trophy to get us on a roll," Kidd told The Sun.
"When we won the League Cup in 1992, everybody was doing cartwheels because we had qualified for Europe. That's what it meant.
"But it went on from there. We need the first trophy at City and, once we win one, the mentality will grow.
"I honestly believe there are a lot of talented players here. We have a great squad now."
City's trophy cabinet has not had any new additions in 34 years, but the 61-year-old believes that the club just need some initial success to spark off a run like Manchester United did before.
"When you look at it, United won the league and that's how it grows. It's about silverware, it's a results business.
"That's what happens. It grows and you want more. It's like goalscorers - if they have a lean time, they get worried.
"But if a striker scores one then things change and the others start to come. It's a mindset. The demands are huge but, once something happens, it sparks other things."
No new signings for AC Milan?
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has revealed that the club may not sign any new players during this transfer period.
Galliani's statement refutes recent reports linking CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda to the Serie A club.
"Will we work on the market to bring in reinforcements? I doubt it, but we'll see," Galliani said, according to Calciomercatonews.com.
"It's a problem, as it will be difficult to get Honda when he doesn't have an EU passport. You'd have to ask the FIGC about that.
"None of the big stars will be leaving. As Inter president Massimo Moratti said, if you have to make sacrifices then you have to do it with the players who are requested, not the ones who aren't sought-after.
"Well, the ones who have been requested will not be sold and the others are not sought-after."
Galliani also revealed that Gennaro Gattuso will stay with Milan for one more season at least and added, "I'd like to thank both Gianluca Zambrotta and Massimo Oddo, who will earn in two years only a little more than they had been earning in 12 months.
"We believe many players could stay with us in 2011-12 too."
Galliani's statement refutes recent reports linking CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda to the Serie A club.
"Will we work on the market to bring in reinforcements? I doubt it, but we'll see," Galliani said, according to Calciomercatonews.com.
"It's a problem, as it will be difficult to get Honda when he doesn't have an EU passport. You'd have to ask the FIGC about that.
"None of the big stars will be leaving. As Inter president Massimo Moratti said, if you have to make sacrifices then you have to do it with the players who are requested, not the ones who aren't sought-after.
"Well, the ones who have been requested will not be sold and the others are not sought-after."
Galliani also revealed that Gennaro Gattuso will stay with Milan for one more season at least and added, "I'd like to thank both Gianluca Zambrotta and Massimo Oddo, who will earn in two years only a little more than they had been earning in 12 months.
"We believe many players could stay with us in 2011-12 too."
football : "Gerrard, Cole won't play Rabotnicki!"
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson said Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole will probably not play against FK Rabotnicki.
Hodgson travelled to Macedonia for his first competitive match in charge of the Reds with a makeshift squad.
Gerrard, Cole and fellow England World Cup players Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson were among the notable absentees for the Europa League third qualifying round first leg against FK Rabotnicki having only recently returned to training.
Alberto Aquilani, Lucas, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and David Ngog were among a handful of recognised senior players to make the trip.
Hodgson said: "We were never close to that because they have only been training for four days.
"It would have been folly to try to play 90 minutes' football in an important competition in difficult conditions with players who have only been training for four days.
"We have pressed one or two players into service who were back one or two days earlier than that but in an ideal world we would not have used any of the players that played in the World Cup.
"But, quite frankly, we are not in a strong enough position to do that."
Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez, who returned to training this week, were also missing while Fernando Torres, Jose Reina, Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt are still on holiday.
The match, coming 17 days before the Reds' Barclays Premier League opener, has presented Hodgson with a difficult situation.
Hodgson, who guided Fulham to the final last season after entering at the same stage, has to try to guide his side through while relying on inexperienced players.
The likes of Diego Cavalieri, Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing are all likely to get an opportunity.
The 62-year-old said: "All competitions are important to the season.
"It's the first competitive game I have been able to have with the club.
"It would have been nice if the game was played later and we were able to play what we feel is our strongest team but we can't.
"But it is still a very important game and I hope the players we will give the confidence to play in this game and represent Liverpool will be able to do a good job."
Hodgson travelled to Macedonia for his first competitive match in charge of the Reds with a makeshift squad.
Gerrard, Cole and fellow England World Cup players Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson were among the notable absentees for the Europa League third qualifying round first leg against FK Rabotnicki having only recently returned to training.
Alberto Aquilani, Lucas, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and David Ngog were among a handful of recognised senior players to make the trip.
Hodgson said: "We were never close to that because they have only been training for four days.
"It would have been folly to try to play 90 minutes' football in an important competition in difficult conditions with players who have only been training for four days.
"We have pressed one or two players into service who were back one or two days earlier than that but in an ideal world we would not have used any of the players that played in the World Cup.
"But, quite frankly, we are not in a strong enough position to do that."
Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez, who returned to training this week, were also missing while Fernando Torres, Jose Reina, Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt are still on holiday.
The match, coming 17 days before the Reds' Barclays Premier League opener, has presented Hodgson with a difficult situation.
Hodgson, who guided Fulham to the final last season after entering at the same stage, has to try to guide his side through while relying on inexperienced players.
The likes of Diego Cavalieri, Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing are all likely to get an opportunity.
The 62-year-old said: "All competitions are important to the season.
"It's the first competitive game I have been able to have with the club.
"It would have been nice if the game was played later and we were able to play what we feel is our strongest team but we can't.
"But it is still a very important game and I hope the players we will give the confidence to play in this game and represent Liverpool will be able to do a good job."
Monday, June 14, 2010
Keisuke Honda's close-range strike in the first half was enough to give Japan a 1-0 win over Cameroon in their Group E opener.
Group E: Japan 1-0 Cameroon
In a game of few clear chances, Cameroon's defence failed to deal with Daisuke Matsui's cross, allowing Honda to control the ball at the back post before clipping the ball past Hamidou Souleymanou.
Stephane Mbia went closest to salvaging a point for Cameroon when his fierce drive cannoned back off the crossbar.
But although the Africans threw everything at Japan in the closing minutes they could not find a way through, sparking huge celebrations from the Japanese squad.
In a game of few clear chances, Cameroon's defence failed to deal with Daisuke Matsui's cross, allowing Honda to control the ball at the back post before clipping the ball past Hamidou Souleymanou.
Stephane Mbia went closest to salvaging a point for Cameroon when his fierce drive cannoned back off the crossbar.
But although the Africans threw everything at Japan in the closing minutes they could not find a way through, sparking huge celebrations from the Japanese squad.
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