How to solve a problem like Maradona?
Argentinean, world class player and World Cup winner Diego Maradona has never been far away from controversy since the infamous ‘Hand of God’ moment during the 1986 World Cup Finals against England in Mexico.
Ever since that historic moment Maradona’ professional and personal life has been rife with negative flashpoints and when he was chosen to coach the current Argentina team the footballing world held it’s breath for another moment from Maradona.
When he played for Napoli he was heralded for single handedly winning the Serie A for the Italian Club but then fell foul of the authorities due to tax issues and the revelation of his drug problem. At the 1994 World Cup, Maradona’ drug use was raised as a concern by the world media and after scoring an important goal for Argentina he was sent home due to drug use. In the years that followed Maradona became increasingly reclusive as the media continued to observe his life, health prolems due to alcohol and drug addictions, brief managerial stints and the intense scrutiny resulted in Maradona reportedly threatening to shoot a group of press that had gathered at the gates of his home. Maradona was still regarded a hero by his countrymen, but even so a few eyebrows were raised when he was given the Argentina Head Coach role both across the World and in his native country. Even the most resilient die hard supporters could be concerned whether Maradona actually had the tactical knowledge, temperament and physical health to lead a team abundant in talent to World Cup glory.
It didn’t take long for the national team to give Maradona’s critics a chance to sharpen their hypothetical pens and draw first blood. They begun their campaign well with wins over Chile, Venezuela & Bolivia, but these were soon followed by a loss to Columbia, draw with Ecuador at home, draws with Brazil, Paraguay and Peru. Argentina’s chances of qualifying looked to be getting slimmer; after beating Uruguay, losing to Chile and a impressive 4-0 victory over Venezuela, Maradona’s men went on to lose 4 of their final 7 games including a 6-1 drubbing by Bolivia and a 1-3 loss at home against historic rivals Brazil. Argentina eventually qualified after a late goal meant Argentina beat Uruguay 0-1 and progressed but it was far from impressive.
With Argentina qualifying, some managers may have taken the opportunity to accept that the actions of their team had done more than any words in proving their critics wrong, but this is Diego Maradona and the drama wasn’t going to end at the final whistle in Estadio Centenario. At the end of the game Maradona took the opportunity to tell his critics precisely what he thought with a series of insulting gestures aimed towards the on looking media from the pitch, which he verbally continued later at the press conference saying:
“To those who did not believe in us — and, ladies, forgive me — they can suck it, and keep on sucking it,” he said. “I am black or white, I’ll never be grey in my life. You lot take it up the a*** — if the ladies will pardon the expression. This is for all Argentineans, except for the journalists. I would like to thank the team for giving me the privilege to lead Argentina to the World Cup. Thank you to the Argentinean people who had faith.”
The comments were unexpected but not unbelievable from a man like Maradona. His actions once again managed to take the glory from the Argentina team as he did in 1986 and created a scenario that could only have one outcome. The comments, resulting FIFA investigation and disciplinary action gave every critic an excuse to publish endless stories regarding Maradona and his behaviour, rather than the success of the team.
Argentina may not be too concerned with Maradona’s behaviour should they win in South Africa and they potentially have the players, particularly offensively to beat any team. Many managers have empathised the importance of tranquillity and calm during a tournament and with the potential for drama and negativity off the pitch that could follow Maradona, there is a question over whether the players can leave that atmosphere behind and perform as they had to in the final stages of qualifying for the tournament.
Another problem for the Argentina team is not just the potential of what Maradona’ behaviour could have on the team but also the pressure of having Maradona as the Head Coach. The Argentina fans will hope that Maradona’ latin spirit and passion will be an inspiration rather than a distraction and that he can replicate what previous great players have done for their nations as managers in the past, such as Beckenbauer in 1990, Marcello Lippi in 2006 & Carlos Alberto Parreira in 1994. However, should any signs of struggle come during the group stage for Argentina; the fans along with the media will be quick to inflate the pressure on Maradona and his team and that could result in the delicate balloon that is the national team to pop.
Therefore, if the problems of Maradona are his relationship with the press, frantic behaviour and the intrinsic expectations transferred onto the team, then how do you solve a problem like Maradonna?
Let’s begin with his relationship with the fans and the press. Maradona’ undoubtedly loved by his home nation’s population, with some seeing his recent public outburst as typical of the latin continent and those that perhaps were offended still respect him moreover as the footballer than the man. Maradona has apologised to the press and recently visited South Africa, where he helped promote the World Cup and spoke positively of South Africa as hosts as he continues to work on improving his public image. Should Maradona continue on this route of keeping his public statements brief and positive, he may avoid an early trial by the world’s media and the Argentina hopeful in South Africa and at home. If he succeeds in this stage of Argentina’s World Cup campaign before a ball is kicked he may also succeed in giving his team the focused calm environment they will need in order to perform and it is their performances which will be key to the second stage of solving the problem of Maradona.
Anyone who knows football, whether as a player, a coach or a fan knows that it is a results business. Players, managers and teams have been forgiven for behaviour on and off the pitch from alcoholism, affairs, arrests and outbursts at fans, management and press as long as the teams success continues. Thus, if the players can produce on the pitch, whatever has gone before will be forgotten and questions over whether Maradonna was the right man for the job will stop. Where Argentina finish will be important and the expectations will be for them to reach the semis at least, with the hope of winning of course, but how they play could be equally as important. Playing with style and dominant forward play will be important to quash the memories of the displays of their qualification campaign, in the same respect as the 1982 Brazil team who have been hailed as one of the best ever even though they failed to win the Jules Rimet trophy. Key to their chances will be players such as the in form Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi, Maradona’ soon to be son-in-law Sergio Aguero, Walter Samuel, Pablo Aimar, Diego Milito, Javier Mascherano, Juan Riquelme and the list goes on and on. Should the players unite as they did at the end of qualification they could potentially beat any team with players capable of ravaging defences at one end and a midfield and defenders able to be dominant and tight when organised.
Overall, in answer of ‘how to solve a problem like Maradona?’ the answer lies with the man himself. Should he remain a positive beacon of Argentinean football in South Africa as he has in recent weeks and embraces the latin phrase “te ducat cupiditas” (let passion be your guide) combined with selecting the right mix of players including choosing a regular No.9 and setting the team up to perform with the style, belief and skill he was synonymous with as a player, then Argentina could become surprise finalists and possible winners.