Argentine legend Diego Maradona has expressed his desire to coach the national team for free after their dismal display at the ongoing World Cup in Russia. Argentina struggled to make the most of their star-studded attack from the start of the tournament and they eventually bowed out to France during the round of 16 stage.

Since then, there has been question marks regarding the future of Jorge Sampaoli and during a recent interview, Maradona has admitted that he would prefer a second chance of managing the squad for free, he said: “Yes and I would do it for free, I would not ask for anything in return. They think I’m happy but my heart hurts. I wish God gave me the strength to return to the field. The years and life go on for everyone and I get to 57 years of age watching my team beaten by a team that I do not think is one of the best at the World Cup. “It makes me feel bad – everything we built with much effort was destroyed very easily.” Continue reading →

Argentina legend Javier Zanetti believes Lionel Messi is under more pressure to deliver for the national side after witnessing them lose in the finals of the previous three major tournaments. The Barcelona star has won everything within reach at club level but he has yet to taste any form of glory with the Albiceleste.

Speaking to Mediaset, Zanetti admitted that Messi will once more be the focus of Argentina’s World Cup campaign and feels the burden will only increase on him, should the nation reach the final stages of the tournament, he said: “There is a lot of pressure on him, but not only in this competition but also in the past. Continue reading →

Argentina international Lionel Messi has wished that his nation were more like Germany as they head into the summer World Cup in Russia. Joachim Loew’s side have undergone a tremendous transition from the World Cup triumph in 2014 and Messi is particularly impressed with the simplicity with which the Germans have regrouped.

He told TyC Sports: “I wish we were more like Germany and worked like them. They keep working on a long-term plan and rejuvenate the team at the right time.They’re already preparing for the next World Cup,they have a different way of preparing, letting people work, and judging them on what they do.” Continue reading →