Maradona eager to start: Bilardo

Argentina general manager Carlos Bilardo has revealed new coach Diego Maradona cannot wait to take over the reins of the national team.

Maradona is set to be confirmed as the new Albicelestes boss on Tuesday after a meeting of the Argentinian Football Association’s executive committee.

And former Argentina boss Bilardo, who will assist the 48-year-old, claims he is anxious to start.

“Maradona is fine, he’s anxious, as I was when I was named coach in 1983-84,” Bilardo told Sky Italia.

“He’s anxious to start, to see the players and talk to everyone, both those who play in Argentina and those who play abroad.

“This is Maradona’s desire, he has always said that he wants to be Argentina coach.

“Now he has this opportunity and I see he’s fine. Time will tell whether he is capable or not.”

Bilardo coached Argentina from 1983-90 with Maradona the key man in his side as the Albicelestes won the 1986 World Cup and reached the final four years later.