The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Buenos Aires

Diego Maradona, appointed Argentina coach last week, could quit if he does not get his way over his choice of assistant, Argentine media said on Wednesday.

Maradona, one of soccer's greatest players and one of its most volatile, has reportedly run into a deadlock with Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Julio Grondona over his choice of assistant.

Maradona, due to make his debut in next Wednesday's friendly away to Scotland, has said he wants to appoint former team mate Oscar Ruggeri, a personal rival of Grondona.

Grondona, who has voiced his opposition to the idea, refused to comment on the situation on Wednesday but admitted outside AFA headquarters that he was not on good terms with Ruggeri.

"I don't like his face," said Grondona as he forced his way through a crowd of reporters to his car. "It's a personal thing."