MX23RW : Monday, April 6 09:51:57| >> :600:341796:341796:

On this day: Diego Maradona voted out as Argentina coach

Four years ago today, Diego Maradona's spell as Argentina coach came to and end as he was unanimously voted out.

There are many players who have gone down as legends of the game, especially for a particular nation. Pele of Brazil is regarded by many as the world's best ever player, while England could really do with Sir Bobby Charlton to hammer in goals from midfield. Up there with Pele is Diego Maradona, who at times single-handedly (pun intended) won his nation matches and even World Cups.

Quite a lot of the time being a player at the very highest level does not translate to becoming a coach. There is a string of failed managers with international playing accolades, while others have never attempted a move into the dugout. Maradona's legendary status meant that once he showed an interest in the national job he was offered it, but on this day in 2010 he parted company with the AFA.

Argentina's coach Diego Maradona celebrates after Argentina's striker Carlos Tevez scored a third goal for his team during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 match Argentina vs Mexico on June 27, 2010© Getty Images

Maradona had two brief, and vastly unsuccessful, spells in charge of two Argentinian club sides alongside his former teammate Carlos Fren in 1994 and 1995. The pair lasted just 12 games at Mandiyu de Corrientes with just one victory, before faring just marginally better at Racing Club - with two wins in 11 matches there. It looked as though this would be his only foray into management, but a whopping 13 years after he left Racing he took over his country, replacing Alfio Basile.

He opened his coaching role with a friendly away to Scotland in November 2008 in which Argentina won 1-0 through an early goal from Maxi Rodriguez. Things started very well for Maradona as Argentina won their first three games with him in charge, but where it mattered - qualification for the 2010 World Cup - things were looking rather more shaky.

His honeymoon period was over and the nation, still on a high to have a national legend coaching them, came back down to earth when they suffered their joint heaviest ever defeat - a 6-1 thumping by Bolivia that left Argentina on the brink of not qualifying. They were fifth, but Maradona oversaw two victories in their final games to ensure that this huge footballing nation would appear on the world's biggest stage.

Argentina's coach Diego Maradona hugs Argentina's striker Lionel Messi after the 2010 World Cup quarter final Argentina vs Germany on July 3, 2010© Getty Images

There came the first spot of controversy from Maradona, as he told the press to "suck it and keep on sucking it" after proving them wrong to qualify. He was handed a two-month ban, but that expired long before the World Cup so he was able to manage the side in Germany. Things started very well for him, with three victories in the group stage seeing them top the group and take on great rivals Mexico in the second round.

A comfortable 3-1 win set up a quarter-final against the host nation, but this was to prove a step too far for the 49-year-old as they crashed out 4-0. Shortly after the tournament the AFA said that he would be offered a new four-year deal, but on this day in 2010 he was voted out of his post. He wanted his coaching staff to remain with him, while the AFA did not. He did not budge and therefore his spell in charge came to an end with a nearly 75% win rate.

Argentina's coach Diego Maradona looks on prior to the 2010 World Cup quarter final Argentina vs Germany on July 3, 2010© Getty Images

ID:167395:
Share this article now:
Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi (front) misses a shot on goal during the first half of the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match on July 13, 2014
Read Next:
Shearer: 'Messi missed his chance'
>
Latest Sports Video
Did you know...?
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Live scores banner
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29271166214582
2Manchester CityMan City28183768313757
3Leicester CityLeicester29165858283053
4Chelsea29146951391248
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd29129844301445
6Wolverhampton WanderersWolves29101364134743
7Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd28111073025543
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs29118104740741
9Arsenal2891364036440
10Burnley29116123440-639
11Crystal Palace29109102632-639
12Everton29107123746-937
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2998122541-1635
14Southampton29104153552-1734
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29611123240-829
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2976163550-1527
17Watford2969142744-1727
18Bournemouth2976162947-1827
19Aston Villa2874173456-2225
20Norwich CityNorwich2956182552-2721

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!