Maradona pondering Argentina future

DIEGO MARADONA could quit as Argentina coach next week unless certain terms are met.

Argentina play their final two World Cup qualifiers in the upcoming week, against Peru on Saturday and Uruguay four days later, with their place in South Africa very much in the balance.

But Maradona has revealed he is thinking of resigning from his post even if the Albicelestes qualify and will meet with Argentina football association president Julio Grondona to discuss matters.

“When Grondona called me to his house and offered me the job, I told him I was the happiest person in the world,” said Maradona.

“But after that things happened that I didn’t like and I will speak about them later.

“If I continue it will be under my conditions.

“After the qualifiers I will talk to Julio.”

Maradona, who has been in the post less than a year, did not specify what conditions he would lay down, but it is thought his chief gripe is with technical director Carlos Bilardo. The pair reportedly do not get on and barely speak to each other, with Maradona unhappy at the former Argentina coach’s interference in team affairs.

Argentina go into Saturday’s qualifier in Buenos Aires on a run of four defeats in the last five games, and currently lie in the play-off position in the South American zone.

Meanwhile Carlos Tevez, one of Maradona’s key men, has hit back at critics who have stated that the Argentina players care more about money than playing for their country.

The Manchester City striker was infuriated that suggestions have been made that the reason Argentina are struggling to reach the World Cup is because of commitment issues. Tevez said: “Do they think that when I go out to play for the national team I'm thinking of the millions I have in the bank? I don't need to be given money to play in the national team.’’