In one of the most difficult moments of his career, Maradona found a new way to live his passion in football: from the substitute bench.
He argentine soccer was always full of unforgettable moments, but few as particular as that October 9, 1994, when Diego Maradona decided to change the boots for the substitute bench. While still serving a doping sanctionTen launched himself into a new adventure that would mark him forever.
During one of the most turbulent stages of his career, the global idol took an unexpected step. In the midst of the punishment that kept him from the fields, the former captain of the National Team found refuge in the locker room, beginning his path as a coach with the energy and passion that characterized him.
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Deportivo Mandiyú: Diego Maradona’s debut as coach
In 1994, the Deportivo Mandiyú de Corrientes He made a big bet by incorporating the greatest icon of national sports. Maradona, which remained suspended after the United States World Cupsigned a contract on October 3 and just six days later he debuted as coach in a match against Rosario Central. Although he still did not have official authorization, he followed the game from the stands, while his assistant Carlos Fren He led from the field.
His first experience was not easy: In twelve games leading the team, he achieved one victory, six draws and five losses. However, that short step was much more than a statistic. It represented the beginning of his career on the bench and the starting point of a new stage of personal and professional search. In the midst of media and sports pressure, Diez surrounded itself with unusual stories, such as that of Pacha Manavellaa lawyer who traveled a thousand miles just to meet him and ended up following him throughout the entire cycle.
The memory of that Mandiyú still arouses nostalgia among fans. Despite the results, Diego’s step He left an indelible mark on the club and the province. Training sessions attracted crowds, and their mere presence was enough to turn each game into a national event. It was the power of a myth in a team that was fighting to stay in First Division.
Argentine, Mexican and Arab football: Maradona’s path as coach
After his experience in Corrientes, Maradona continued his journey through Argentine football with a brief stage at Racing Clubagain with Carlos Fren in 1995. He then took his leadership abroad: he directed the Argentine National Team during the World Cup South Africa 2010 and later he went through clubs Mexico and United Arab Emiratesamong them Sinaloa Doradoshe Al Wasl FC. and ended his days as DTde Gymnastics and Fencing La Plata.
Throughout his career, the star managed to reinvent himself time and again. His passionate style, his bond with the players and his ability to inspire marked every locker room he was in. The debut in Mandiyú was not just an anecdote: it was the first step of the eternal Diego Armando Maradona as a leader off the field, a figure who transformed every corner where football took him.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
