When Martin O’Neill resigned as manager of Aston Villa a number of names were linked with the job, Sven Goran Eriksson, Martin Jol, Bob Bradley, one who would certainly not have crossed many minds was that of Diego Maradona. In recent days though, the Argentinian has been heavily linked with the managers job at Villa Park. His agent Walter Soriano has been voicing this interest, the Sunday Mercury has quoted Soriano as stating;
“I think Diego would be very open to the idea of coming to England and managing Aston Villa.” He also said “If the owner Randy Lerner wants to make him a serious offer, I am sure he would get a very positive response.”
Maradona of course is still a huge outsider, this morning you could get 50/1 on him becoming the next Villa manager, with Kevin MacDonald the current favourite. There may be one or two backing Maradona at such odds and if it were to happen, it would be one of the most sensational managerial appointments in years. Maradona of course, is still a man who inpires mixed emotions in England. What is not in doubt is that he is a fascinating individual, and he was one of the most entertaining performers at the World Cup in South Africa.
The Sunday Mercury also quotes agent Walter Soriano as stating, “He is very attracted to English football and the way of life in your country and I know he will be very willing to move there. He loves the English countryside and your respect for privacy so he would be very happy there.”
Maradona would light up the Premier League if he was there, but questions might exist over how his team would perform. At the World Cup, Maradona seemed to have a fairly naïve grasp of tactics. Argentina played all out attacking football and made much of the early running in the tournament, but when they faced Germany they were dismantled as the lethal Teutonic counter-attacks cut through them with ease. Villa fans might be concerned that Maradona’s attacking style might not be hugely effective in the Premier League, but Villa have been one of the more adventurous sides in the league in recent years, and have the personnel to suit an attacking mindset. If Maradona did want to have a serious run in charge of Villa, it might be advisable for him to have an experienced Premier League assistant to help him with tactics and the defensive side of the game. Maradona himself despite his diminutive stature would be a towering presence in the dressing room, and would be a hugely inspirational figure for the players.
It is easy for someone who does not support Aston Villa to revel in the possible appointment of Diego Maradona. He would provide entertainment for the whole league but it is questionable whether one would want him at their own club. There would be plus points, Villa Park would certainly not be dull and Maradona might also be able to attract some good Argentinian players to the club, but there are also major drawbacks. Maradona’s managerial ability is still in question, and he plays an almost kamikaze style of football, for a club who have serious aspirations to improve it may not be the shrewdest move by Randy Lerner. It would be great to see Maradona in the Premiership one day, but he might have to hone his management style and gain greater experience before he can be a successful manager in England.
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