Maradona’s claims dismissed

Argentina football chief Julio Grondona and team manager Carlos Bilardo have rejected accusations of deceit and betrayal levelled at them by sacked coach Diego Maradona.

Maradona had earlier blamed the pair for plotting his downfall in an emotional outburst.

“Grondona lied to me. Bilardo betrayed me,” claimed Maradona, 24 hours after his colourful and controversial reign as Argentina coach came to an abrupt end.

Bilardo then dismissed the claims of the man who was part of his 1986 World Cup-winning team. “I am sure it’s not him who is guilty, but his entourage. I defended and I will continue to defend Maradona to the death,” he told La Red radio station. In his first public reaction to his dismissal Maradona had told a press conference that Grondona had assured him his job was safe after the 4-0 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Germany.

Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Grondona, however, disputed Maradona’s version of their conversation in South Africa.

“I continue to regret that he’s gone because it’s very sad but I never lied to Maradona,” said Grondona.

“I told him in Pretoria that I was satisfied and that he could stay on, but that the conditions would not be the same, that he had to make some vital changes.”

Maradona, who took charge in October 2008, has been replaced for the time being by Under-20 coach Sergio Batista.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2010.