Maradona is the new national team coach for Argentina… Is this a bright event in Argentinian football or a let down?  Depends on who you ask.  I believe this is a terrible decision by the Argentinian Football Federation.

Most people in Argentina think the appointment of Maradona as the men’s national team manager is great. After all, Maradona led the Argentinian soccer team to the 1986 FIFA World Cup Championship and returned them to the final in the 1990 World Cup. Maradona openly admits he singlehandedly let the 1986 squad to the World Cup title. Thus, why not coach the team?

And therein lies the problem.

Just because a player is great, possibly the greatest Argentinian player of all time, does not equate to leadership capability.

Take for example, the numerous doping charges, health concerns, professional inexperience and other craziness following Maradona’s personal life.

Professionally, Maradona has no business coaching Argentina’s national team. He has no high-level or professional team experience. He will rely strictly on his director of football, Carlos Bilardo. Carlos was the man who singlehandedly led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, not Maradona.

If Argentina’s mission is to return the side to the playing spirit of their 1986 team, then give their youth a chance. Argentina’s youth teams are currently dominating the international arena. The Under 23 squad won Olympic gold in August 2008.

Hiring Diego Maradona is synonymous to Northern Ireland hiring George Best as their national team manager.