Maradona coy on selection plans for Argentina

Maradona coy on selection plans for Argentina

March 27, 2009

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Diego Maradona is keeping a lid on his team selection plans ahead of his first competitive game in charge of Argentina.
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Argentina have enjoyed positive results in two friendlies under Maradona, defeating Scotland 1-0 in November before beating France 2-0 in February.

However, those results will count for nothing if they are unable to pick up a vital victory at home to Venezuela in a crucial 2010 World Cup qualifier.

Argentina are third in the South American Qualifying Zone with 16 points, seven below leaders Paraguay, but of more concern is that they are just four clear of sixth place.

Failure to finish inside the top five would see Argentina miss out on the tournament in South Africa.

"I have the team in my head but I still have some details to resolve," Maradona revealed. "In football there is no pressure but there is responsibility and the players understand that."

The match at the Monumental stadium will mark Maradona's first home game in charge and the 1986 World Cup winner has called on fans to create an intimidating atmosphere.

"I want the Monumental to explode with noise and for every Argentina player to be applauded," he added.

"I'm living this moment with intensity and I'm in a place where I always want to be and I enjoy it."