Maradona Not Concerned By Absences
Diego Maradona believes he has plenty of options to replace the absent Juan Roman Riquelme and Lionel Messi on his debut as Argentina coach against Scotland in Glasgow today. Maradona, who was appointed as coach on November 4, is denied the services of the star duo as Riquelme's club side Boca Juniors are locked in a title fight in the Apertura tournament and came to an agreement with the Argentina Football Association, while Barcelona have negotiated that Messi will not play in friendly fixtures except under exceptional circumstances.

Maradona, however, is confident he has the personnel to cope without the pair. The 48-year-old, who arrived in Glasgow at the weekend, said: "We must not stand there with our arms crossed just because we cannot count on Riquelme nor Messi. We must search for variety, options, and we have them. "Even without them, we will play for victory against Scotland." Maradona, who has endured a host of personal problems since retiring from playing, is reinvigorated by his appointment. "I feel like I never left," he said. "I feel the same perfume, the same smell, the same need, the same motivation, the same commitment."


Robinho Reveals Kaka Hope
Robinho has urged Manchester City to make a move for AC Milan star Kaka. The Brazilian forward has recently pledged his future at Eastlands, claiming they can grow bigger than his previous club Real Madrid. And now Robinho believes boss Mark Hughes, backed by the mega-rich Abu Dhabi United Group, should try and sign his international team-mate. He said: "Kaka is a great player and a great person. "He's so strong, intelligent and fast. Obviously I'm hoping that I can play with him here at City. If Kaka or any other great player wants to come here the door is open.




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