Diego Maradona has reiterated his desire to become coach of Argentina, claiming he will never give up hope of taking charge of the national team.
Argentina have been in the hunt for a new coach since last Thursday when Alfio Basile stepped down.
Carlos Bianchi - who won a number of national and continental titles at Boca Juniors and Velez Sarsfield - reportedly heads the list of candidates to succeed Basile, but Maradona still harbours hopes of getting the job.
'I will fight to become the national team coach until the last minute. [The Argentinian Football Association president Julio] Grondona is the one who makes the final decision,' Maradona told Radio del Plata.
'Important names are being rumoured. They are vastly experienced and they are as keen as I am. Grondona should be thinking about what is most convenient for the national team.'
Maradona's lack of coaching experience could go against him, as he has only coached Deportivo Mandiyu for two months in 1994 and Racing Club for four months in 1995.
However, he does not believe that this is a crucial factor.
'I am sure tactics are relative if you have the necessary players and I think Argentina have them,' he added.
'We must try to teach the players about feeling and loving the national shirt. It is crucial to get on to the field. I don't think the players have lost that passion nor the hunger for glory.
'I don't want to miss this chance. Every time I hear my name I get goosebumps, but I know I have to fight against big coaches.'
Argentina lie third in the World Cup South American Qualifying Zone on 16 points, seven below leaders Paraguay and have won only one of their last seven games.
