Al Wasl talk to Maradona for coaching job

Dubai's Al Wasl says it is in talks with Diego Maradona about coaching the team, AP reports.

Argentinian legend Diego Maradona, considered by many to be the greatest ever footballer, wowed fans at Dubai’s Pro League side Al Wasl during a visit to inspect its training facilities on Saturday.

‘El Diego’ received a rapturous welcome when he toured the club’s stadium, met players and was shown the medical centre and training facilities.

Speculation is mounting that Maradona that he could be appointed as their Al Wasl’s new manager.

Maradona has without a job since losing his position as Argentina coach following the last World Cup where they reached the quarter-finals.

Although he has recently been linked with national jobs in Iran and the Ukraine, Al Wasl remain confident of securing a deal.

The former FC Barcelona and Napoli great came to Dubai following a visit to the Chechen Republic for the official inauguration of the Grozny Stadium.

If he decides to take over as coach it will be a major coup for the Pro-League side and a clear indication of the club’s ambition.

The legend would be staying in Dubai for quite a few days and could be visiting the club again.

The club currently has an interim manager, Khalifa Mubarak, who took over after the club sacked Sergio Farias.

A club spokesman confirmed the 50-year-old would return to Dubai in due course and “throughout the year”, implying his involvement is of a more long-term nature than this short stay would otherwise suggest.

Maradona’s is best remembered for his ‘Hand of God’ goal which knocked England out in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

He has no real experience of club management, having only previously coached two relatively small Argentinian clubs.

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