Source: Daily_Mail
Don't doubt Diego: Spurs hero Ardiles backs under-fire Argentina boss
Ossie Ardiles believes Diego Maradona is capable of leading Argentina to World Cup glory in South Africa next summer. [LNB]The two-time world champions have a fight on their hands to qualify for the tournament - they lie fifth in the South American qualifying group with only the top four guaranteed a place at the World Cup - and Maradona's position as national coach has come under increasing pressure after a string of poor results.[LNB] Under pressure: Diego Maradona is fighting to save his job[LNB] Fifth place in the pool would still be enough to earn a play-off against a side from North, Central America and Caribbean qualifying, and Ardiles has faith Argentina will make it to the finals - and should not be underestimated if they do. [LNB]'I think we are going to make it, maybe through the back door,' he said. 'They are playing terribly at the moment, really, really bad, but I think we are going to qualify and put things right and when Argentina are in the World Cup, they are very dangerous.[LNB]'The big favourites for the World Cup are first Brazil and then second, Spain, but then there are three or four others with a chance - one is England, and another will be Argentina.'[LNB]Support: Ossie Ardiles in his Spurs days[LNB]Ardiles, who played alongside Maradona at the 1982 World Cup, thinks whatever happens with his old friend over the coming weeks, it will be typically spectacular. [LNB] 'Of course if we don't qualify he will be sacked straight away, and even if we qualify, there is still a big question mark, but we will have to wait a week to see what happens,' Ardiles said. [LNB]'He has made a lot of mistakes, but with Diego, everyone knows what to expect - you either have absolute glory or absolute catastrophe. [LNB]'This is how it will happen - I would not be surprised if he made us world champions in South Africa, but it could also be complete catastrophe and we don't qualify.'[LNB] Ardiles, who has been mentioned as a possible successor to Maradona, admitted he would be honoured to take on the job, but said the prospect was unlikely. [LNB]'Any man worth his salt would give an arm and a leg to manage such a wonderful squad of talent, so of course, I would like to,' he said. 'But having said that, there is not much possibility. The next manager will be someone who is living in Argentina.'[LNB]Ardiles was speaking at the launch of the Soccerex European Forum in Manchester, which will host its inaugural event in March 2010 and run annually until 2013.[LNB] Ukraine v England live! Sign up to watch the match with MailOnlineMaradona in Argentina quit threat as must-win World Cup qualifiers loomMan City defender Zabaleta out of Argentina's crunch qualifiersDiego Maradona's £3,600 diamond earrings nabbed by Italian tax police [LNB]
