Diego Armando Maradona is set to be appointed as Argentina new manager following the departure of his compatriot Alfio Basile, the 1986 World Cup winning coach Carlos Bilardo said. Although his glory days are long gone, the 48-year-old legend still enjoys a massive popularity in his homeland, and now he's claimed to be a shoo-in to take up the job. "Diego will be the next coach of the national team," Bilardo, who will be the team director of football, was quoted as saying by Skysports.com. Bilardo's statement was released after a meeting with Julio Grondona, the president of Argentine Football Association (AFA). The former virtuoso was first nominated for the tactician position last week when AFA selection commission head Noray Nakis put his weight behind him. Maradona has a long history of misconducts and eccentric behavior, in addition to an unpleasant experience of drug addiction which started right after the 1990 World Cup, When the Tango finished as runners-up. Former Argentina international Diego Simeone, Argentina youth team coach Sergio Batista and Gabriel Batistuta were also nominated to succeed Basile. The new head coach is expected to be unveiled before Argentina's forthcoming friendly against Scotland on November 19th.
