Bilardo

Bilardo, I feel compelled to add, was also a qualified gynaecologist – something that suggests that either the former Estudiantes midfield bagsnatcher was not quite as insensitive and belligerent as he appeared, or that his life story would make a particularly disturbing David Cronenberg movie.

Dressingroomistas v Structuralists: football's perennial problem 2011

If Menotti looks like the sort of care-worn, silk-shirted boulevardier you might stumble across singing a mournful version of For the Good Times in a Stockholm cabaret, Bilardo is the psychotic sea captain who'd jump on stage, slit his throat and fashion a necklace out of his vertebrae.

Dressingroomistas v Structuralists: football's perennial problem 2011

Bilardo didn't like them, but then Maradona arrived, he loved them, so the coach changed his mind, that night the crests were stiched, and the rest is history.

World Cup 86 historic moments "Hand of God" Azmie aka switch image 2009

As is was so hot in Mexico, after beating uruguay with the away cotton jersey, the coach Bilardo decided to get lighter jerseys.

World Cup 86 historic moments "Hand of God" Azmie aka switch image 2009

There are those who want a manager who embraces the philosophy of the gaunt, lank-haired, chain-smoking César Luis Menotti, the mastermind behind Argentina's victory in the 1978 World Cup, and those who believe the leader must be somebody like Carlos Bilardo, the arm‑waver with the toucan-esque profile who repeated the feat in Mexico eight years later.

Dressingroomistas v Structuralists: football's perennial problem 2011

Make no mistake: managers like Menotti, Bilardo or Maradona come and go.

World Cup 2010: The best of Argentina manager Diego Maradona Rupert Fryer 2010

In a meeting Monday, Bilardo asked Maradona to continue without seven of his assistants.

Diego Maradona Lashes Out: I Was 'Betrayed' 2010

Bilardo was Argentina's and Maradona its star player when the team won the World Cup in 1986.

Diego Maradona Lashes Out: I Was 'Betrayed' 2010

Bilardo left his position as secretary for sports in the Peronist government of Buenos Aires province and joined the federation when Maradona was named coach last year.

Eric Ehrmann: The "Hand of God" Haunts Ex-Superstar Maradona and Argentina's World Cup Hopes 2009

Prior to that development, Bilardo said that "only Jesus or the Virgin Mary" could authorize Maradona's firing.

Eric Ehrmann: The "Hand of God" Haunts Ex-Superstar Maradona and Argentina's World Cup Hopes 2009