Benitez backs Maradona

11-01-2008 | AFP

Liverpool manager believes the former football star was the right choice

Panama Star LIVERPOOL. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is relishing the prospect of new Argentina boss Diego Maradona's visit to England next week.

Maradona is due in the UK to meet Liverpool's Javier Masherano and Manchester United's Carlos Tevez and may take in Liverpool's home Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Benitez said: "I talked to Mascherano about Maradona's appointment, he is delighted. And I have also spoken with the Argentina federation, and everything is okay for Diego to come to Liverpool.

"Everybody will have the chance to talk, and to discuss the future for Javier and the national team."

Benitez believes Maradona was the right choice to lead the Argentine national team. "Nobody can every doubt the quality of Maradona as a player, but I think he will do well as a manager.

"He will find that it is different as a manager, but he has a technical director with plenty of experience and they are trying to bring some ex-players who have experience as managers.”