Two years later, Maradona is nearing his first trophy as a manager. Barring catastrophe, Al Wasl should win the GCC Champions League on Sunday, according to Gulfnews.com.
United Arab Emirates club Al Wasl beat Bahrain’s Al Muharraq 3-1 in the first leg of the final. Maradona’s team hosts the second leg, and many fans are preparing for a party.
“It would definitely be great for both Al Wasl and Diego Maradona if we were to lift the title,” Al Wasl chairman Marwan Bin Bayat said. “Not only would it be Maradona’s first trophy as a coach, and hopefully the first of many with Al Wasl, it would also be the second time since 2010 that we’ve lifted the GCC Champions League.
“Of course, this would definitely bring added value both to his CV [resume] and our football club’s rich history. It’s [the two-goal advantage] a cushion, but I’ve told them we have to win the next match. We can’t draw or lose at home. We must win to complete the celebration and we hope all football fans can join us in Zabeel on Sunday for support.”
Maradona has managed Al Wasl since May 2011. An up-and-down season was marred by a few high-profile incidents in late March. His starting goalkeeper, Majed Naser, slapped an opposing coach following defeat in the Etisalat Cup semifinal. He chose to retire instead of serving a 17-game ban. Days later, Maradona ran into the stands and confronted fans who were insulting his girlfriend.
Al Wasl finished eighth in the twelve-team Etisalat Pro-League — well short of a place in the 2013 AFC Champions League. But victory on Sunday will help ease the disappointment of the domestic campaign.
Victory could raise Maradona’s profile as a manager. It might even convince Didier Drogba to join the club. We have to wonder if he’ll keep a GCC Champions League winner’s medal alongside the one he won at the 1986 World Cup.
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