Nov 5 2008, 06:12 PM
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New Argentina Coach Diego Maradona has called up Napoli strikers Ezequiel Lavezzi and German Denis for a friendly against Scotland.
Maradona was yesterday officially unveiled to the Argentine Press and named his first squad since taking up his new position, which included five Serie A based players.
“It is beautiful that Maradona has remembered Napoli and is remembered by Napoli. We are very happy to be selected,” said Lavezzi and Denis in a joint statement.
The little and large strike pairing have combined well this season, scoring seven goals to propel Napoli to fourth place in Serie A.
Maradona played for Napoli between 1984 and 1991. He won two Scudetti, a Coppa Italia and a UEFA Cup with the Partenopei and is idolised by the club’s fans.
The 48-year-old was clearly very emotional on taking the Argentina bench, which is only his second job in coaching and his first for 13 years.
“It is an honour, a dream come true to be in the national team at the side of Carlos [Bilardo]. I will do my best.
“I am calm. We can finally give the national team what it deserves,” said the 1986 World Cup winner who retired as a professional footballer in 1997.
The former Barcelona star then began to explain what he is looking for in his backroom staff, which has been the subject of hot debate in Argentina.
“I look for absolute loyalty in my collaborators. I want them to be like iron and to accept the orders of the No 1. That’s me.”
Maradona will be in Spain tonight to watch the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Juventus.
“We will see the game and speak with the players,” said Maradona. “Then we will tour the continent to speak with the others and see how we feel.
“The players that do service abroad and the youngsters should know that the door to the national team is always open.
“They’ll have to show that they are willing to work though,” he added. “I will always have my eyes open.”
Finally, when asked about Lazio’s Argentine shot-stopper Juan Carrizo, the Pibe d’Oro replied: “He is a great ‘keeper.”
Maradona was yesterday officially unveiled to the Argentine Press and named his first squad since taking up his new position, which included five Serie A based players.
“It is beautiful that Maradona has remembered Napoli and is remembered by Napoli. We are very happy to be selected,” said Lavezzi and Denis in a joint statement.
The little and large strike pairing have combined well this season, scoring seven goals to propel Napoli to fourth place in Serie A.
Maradona played for Napoli between 1984 and 1991. He won two Scudetti, a Coppa Italia and a UEFA Cup with the Partenopei and is idolised by the club’s fans.
The 48-year-old was clearly very emotional on taking the Argentina bench, which is only his second job in coaching and his first for 13 years.
“It is an honour, a dream come true to be in the national team at the side of Carlos [Bilardo]. I will do my best.
“I am calm. We can finally give the national team what it deserves,” said the 1986 World Cup winner who retired as a professional footballer in 1997.
The former Barcelona star then began to explain what he is looking for in his backroom staff, which has been the subject of hot debate in Argentina.
“I look for absolute loyalty in my collaborators. I want them to be like iron and to accept the orders of the No 1. That’s me.”
Maradona will be in Spain tonight to watch the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Juventus.
“We will see the game and speak with the players,” said Maradona. “Then we will tour the continent to speak with the others and see how we feel.
“The players that do service abroad and the youngsters should know that the door to the national team is always open.
“They’ll have to show that they are willing to work though,” he added. “I will always have my eyes open.”
Finally, when asked about Lazio’s Argentine shot-stopper Juan Carrizo, the Pibe d’Oro replied: “He is a great ‘keeper.”
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