Maradona opens old wounds with Al Ain coach

It seems Diego Maradona won't be exchanging Christmas cards with Al Ain coach Cosmin Olaroiu after he reopened old wounds with the Romanian, following this weekend's latest round of Etisalat Pro League matches, by taking a dig at Olaroiu's coaching abilities. The pair had previously fallen out during Al Ain's 1-0 win over Al Wasl in the Etisalat Cup group phase in November when, after being sent to the stands, Olaroiu questioned Maradona's private life post-match. Both clubs issued statements to make peace as the situation intensified after the passing of Maradona's mother that same evening. But when asked by Gulf News what Maradona made of the latest round of results, with Al Ain going four points clear at the top of the table after a 3-1 win away to Al Jazira, the Al Wasl coach said: "Definitely Al Ain is a very tough team, a very good team, regardless of their coach. They are really a tough team to beat but I think that this goes back to the players themselves not actually the coaching ability of their coach. "As far as the Al Ain coach, it looks as if he's just after fame by causing controversy with other players and coaches. Quique Sanchez Flores [Al Ahli], myself and Walter Zenga [Al Nasr] are all known for our achievements in the world of sport but I cannot say that much about Cosmin. He has great players that help him prove himself like Asamoah Gyan but if he coaches another team here I don't think he'll last very long here. He'll probably be sent home." While Maradona had called Olaroiu "very rude" for his mocking celebrations during that ill-fated Cup match in November, Olaroiu came out with much worse: "You know Maradona doesn't always have a clear mind because of his life. He doesn't wish to have the brain clear all the time. Why would I ask my players to kick Donda, are you crazy? "I don't take drugs, my life is clear, I don't do anything. I don't disrespect the people here, but he can do anything. Me — they kick me out? Why?"