Al Wasl boss Diego Maradona says he will be forced to consider his future at the Zabeel Stadium if the management refuses to give him the money he needs to bring the players he wants to the club next season.
The Argentine legend expressed his disappointment at being given a “restricted budget” to work with and said he was just asking the club’s management to be fair like the other clubs in the UAE.
“We had a list of players we wanted to sign but weren’t able to because of the restricted budgets we were forced to work with, so we have to try and work with what we have and perform well until the end of the season,” the World Cup winner said.
“Next season we will need to have a big budget to sign players who will help us compete, if that doesn’t happen then I’ll be forced to return the contract and back down from my job.
He added: “All I am asking for is to be in the same position as the other clubs in the UAE. Look at Al Nasr, they have invested in big players like Luca Toni and I just want it to be similar here to the other teams. That’s not unachievable and this is what I want for next season.”
Maradona also spoke of his displeasure at the way footballing affairs were being handled at the Zabeel Stadium and threatened, “I will not be able to continue working here if these things continue”.
The Argentine was referring to his request to train behind closed doors away from prying eyes, which was ignored by those in charge of ensuring his wish was fulfilled.
Maradona said: “There is something bothering me. During our closed training session [yesterday] there were people watching, which shows that certain people are not doing their job and I cannot do my job if things that I’ve asked for aren’t done.
“I am going to call for a meeting with the chairman [Marwan bin Bayat] to see which people are not doing their jobs. I want to take measures to address the issue, but if these things continue then I will not be able to continue working here.
“I think the excitement [of my arrival] has waned and I met with my training staff and asked for only one day like this during the week. I’m ok with people watching otherwise and asking for autographs and photos, but the people who let visitors to the ground during training yesterday must be replaced.”
Meanwhile, Maradona also dismissed claims made by Yousuf Al Serkal, chairman of the UAE Football Association’s interim committee, that he had held talks over becoming the country’s national coach.
“I swear on my grandson Benjamin’s life that no approach was made about this,” said the 51-year-old. “I’m happy to hear about the interest and of course it would be an honour to coach the team.
“I will continue to coach Wasl and I’m happy doing this that’s why I’m here. I have a commitment with the club and I’m happy to prepare them for the next match,” he added.
