Argentina head coach Alfio Basile has called it quits. Wednesday's loss to Chile capped off what was an uneventful second stint for Basile as the man in charge of the albiceleste.
The two time World Cup champions have only managed to win one World Cup Qualifier this year and that was during this past weekend when the Argentines took on Uruguay, beating them 2-1. Before that victory however, four consecutive draws this year had fans questioning the coach's decisions.
But Basile hasn't left the team in shambles, as they're currently sitting in third place of the CONMEBOL standings. While they appear to be a lock for the 2010 World Cup, being in third place is unacceptable for the Argentines. Only first place matters, at least to the Argentine fans. A prime example of this was when Basile took heavy criticism after becoming runners-up in the 2007 Copa America Final, as Argentina was demolished by arch-rivals Brazil 3-0. His resignation has left the team coachless.
The AFA has three possible candidates they're looking at to possibly hire as Basile's successor before Argentina resumes World Cup Qualifying in March of 2009. Former Argentine International, and current River Plate Manager Diego "El Cholo" Simeone is one of the three candidates for the job. The other two potential head coaches are San Lorenzo's Miguel Angel Russo and Sergio Batista, who coached the Argentina Olympic team to Gold this past summer.
What do you think of Basile's resignation? Surprised? Who would you like to see take the role of the manager of the albiceleste? Share your comments below.
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