FOOTBALL in Argentina has paused for its summer break – and there is a reason for it to have a big smile on its face.
There would seem to be a nice Christmas present – the continued reign of Diego Maradona in charge of first division strugglers Gimnasia.
Diego Maradona has enjoyed an eventful stint as manager GimnasiaCredit: Getty – Contributor
There’s been tears, tantrums and crazy superstitions during Maradona’s time with GimnasiaCredit: Getty – Contributor
Maradona, of course, was in charge of the national team at the 2010 World Cup. But this is his first serious attempt at coaching a club side in the land of his birth, the country in which he has semi-divine status.
He briefly coached a couple of teams in the mid 90s while he was serving his ban for testing positive in USA 94, and has more recently worked in the Arab Emirates and in Mexico.
But now he is back home. He has been there since September, and is set to carry on in the new year. The carnival will continue.
HERO WORSHIP
The most extraordinary display of Maradona’s popularity in Argentina came in late November, when he took his team to Rosario, the country’s second city.
Gimnasia were visiting the splendidly named Newell’s Old Boys. Maradona played a handful of games for the club on his return from Europe in 1993.
He was at a low ebb, and did little of note. But the mere fact that he had pulled on the red and black shirt is enough for Newell’s fans to consider him one of their own, to give them a stake in the man’s story.
They gathered outside the Gimnasia hotel to sing his praises, presented him with a throne to watch the game and cheered him silly when his men beat their own team 4-0.
It was a much needed victory. Gimnasia are deep in relegation trouble – and that is hardly Maradona’s fault.
When Maradona returned to old club Newell’s Old Boys he was given a hero’s returnCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Maradona was provided with a special throne to sit on on the touchlineCredit: Getty Images – Getty
STARING AT RELEGATION
Sixteen games into the season – Maradona has been in charge for eleven – Gimnasia are 21st in a 24 team league.
Relegation, though, is worked out on an average of points over the last three seasons – and by that reckoning, Gimnasia are rooted to the bottom of the table.
Maradona has marginally improved their situation. His team have lost 6 in 11, but drawn one and won the other four.
They string together three impressive away wins, and in the last game before the break finally won at home, with Maradona breaking down in tears after the 2-1 triumph over Central Cordoba.
Times have been tough for Maradona at Gimnasia, with the club staring relegation in the faceCredit: AP:Associated Press
Maradona has been moved to tears when his team have struggledCredit: Getty Images – Getty
IT’S A STRESSFUL JOB
Some are concerned that the stresses of the job might be too much for him. His daughter Giannina, Sergio Aguero’s ex, fears that it might be killing him.
“I’m not dying at all,” he replied. “I sleep well because I’m working.”
Gimnasia fans lost some sleep in November when he abruptly resigned. He was disturbed by a lack of unity behind the scenes.
Club president is an elected position in Argentina, with different factions jockeying for power.
But fear of losing Maradona brought the rival groups round the table to sort out their differences, and 48 hours later Maradona was back – which was another excellent excuse to throw a party.
CRAZY SUPERSTITIONS
Maradona has given himself an escape route. He has been promised new signings to strengthen the team in the desperate late grab for points.
So if the squad has not been reinforced by the time the campaign resumes at the end of January, he could be on his way.
Maradona has vowed to stick with Gimnasia if they can bring in new players during the winter breakCredit: Getty – Contributor
At Gimnasia Maradona has told his players not to wear green in the dressing room because it brings bad luckCredit: AFP or licensors
Superstitious Maradona has also asked the Argentinian FA not to use numbers 13 and 17Credit: AFP or licensors
For the time being, though, the little man goes marching on. There will be no green worn in the dressing room – Maradona has warned his players that the colour brings bad luck.
He may try again to ask the local FA for permission not to use the numbers 13 and 17 – another of his superstitions.
And Diego Maradona will pin his team sheet on the wall and put a little of his prestige on the line in his quest to keep Gimnasia in Argentina’s first division.
Diego Maradona given a hero’s reception on his return to former club Newell’s Old Boys
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
