No firing my staff, says Maradona

ARGENTINA coach Diego Maradona is keen to sign a new contract – so long as he is allowed to retain his entire backroom staff.

The 49-year-old yesterday held talks with Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona, who wants the 1986 World Cup winner to pen a new four-year deal.

“I really want to stay, but it depends on Grondona,” Maradona said on Sunday.

“If they touch a hair of one of my guys, even if the masseur or the kitman, I’m going. I want to continue the adventure but not with (just) anyone. I chose these people. I want to continue working with them.”

Argentina struggled to qualify for South Africa after Maradona took over from Alfio Basile and their campaign came to an end with a 4-0 defeat to Germany in the last eight.