Post by Macmoish on Aug 15, 2010 15:35:10 GMT
Telegraph - By Saandy Macaskill
Diego Maradona keen to manage Aston Villa, according to representative
Diego Maradona has launched a surreal bid to become next manager of Aston Villa, the Argentina legend revealing his love of the English countryside, stunning lack of knowledge of the British tabloid press (he thinks they respect privacy) and letting it be known that he would be interested in succeeding Martin O’Neill at the Premier League club.
Those listening carefully would have heard the giggles coming from Villa Park.
O’Neill resigned last week, and despite Kevin McDonald leading them to a 3-0 opening-day victory over West Ham in the caretaker role, the club remain rudderless, with no football strategy beyond preparing for the next game, against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League. Ajax manager Martin Jol and USA coach Bob Bradley have been linked with the Midlands club, but Villa insist they will not rush to appoint a new manager.
However, Maradona’s European representative has suggested that the club could do worse than to consider the Argentine, left his post of Argentina coach in acrimonious circumstances last month, having impressed at the World Cup until La Albiceleste were smashed 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals.
"I think Diego would be very open to the idea of coming to England and managing Aston Villa," Walter Soriano, Maradona’s official European representative, said.
"He is very attracted to English football and the way of life in your country and I know he would be very willing to move there. He loves the English countryside and your respect for privacy, so he would be very happy there, especially at a big club like Aston Villa.
"If the owner Randy Lerner wants to make him a serious offer, I am sure he would get a very positive response. Diego is currently talking with a number of clubs in Europe – including another one in England – about a management role and is looking at his options carefully."
www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/7946684/Diego-Maradona-keen-to-manage-Aston-Villa-according-to-representative.html