AFA hope Pekerman takes new role

Argentina remain hopeful Jose Pekerman will continue to be involved with the national side in some capacity.

The 56-year-old quit in the aftermath of Friday’s quarter-final exit at the hands of hosts Germany but the Argentinian Football Federation (AFA) have yet to accept Pekerman’s resignation.

Pekerman has reiterated his desire to step down after admitting he had “failed” in his bid to mastermind World Cup success after two years in charge but AFA president Julio Grondona is confident of a positive resolution.

“Pekerman talked more with his heart than with his head,” Grondona told Argentinian radio station La Red.

“It’s logical that in this emotional moment he says what he feels, but I think we still have to talk about his continuity, because Jose is part of the AFA.”

The AFA president remained tight-lipped over a potential successor after Argentinian legend Diego Maradona was linked with the role.

Whoever becomes the new coach, though, Grondona is confident he can lead Argentina back from their disappointment and embark on a golden era.

“At this moment, I won’t talk about names,” he added. “There was a big change from one regime to another and we believed we could have reached higher positions. Things weren’t as expected though.

“We’ll discuss with officials and we’ll see which will be the strategy to follow to do what we have always done – to satisfy the majority and do our job calmly.

“We’re fifth or sixth among the 32 (World Cup) teams and this is a very good situation. I see a good future with the possibility of important players being in their prime for the qualifiers and the next World Cup.”

Grondona also hailed the performance of Argentinian referee Horacio Elizondo in Germany, saying: “He deserves to referee the final match and we hope so because if would be a satisfaction for us and Argentinian refereeing.”