Maradona's two previous spells in a head coaching role both came about during the ban imposed after testing positive at USA 1994. Though he lacked the relevant qualifications, this obstacle was circumvented by his partnership with Carlos Fren - an old friend from his Argentinos Juniors days.
His first coaching adventure in the Argentinian top flight came about on 3 October 1994 when he took the reins of Corrientes outfit Deportivo Mandiyu. There he lasted just two months, presiding over one win, six draws and five defeats. The team eventually finished second bottom of that year's Apertura standings and were relegated to the second tier.
One year on, with Fren still at his side, Maradona was given the opportunity to coach Racing Club - one of Argentina's biggest clubs. His time in charge began on 24 February 1995 with a 1-0 home defeat to Ferro in the first matchday of the Clausura, and ended four months later on 6 May. Of his eleven matches at the helm of the Avellaneda side, the team won two, drew six and lost three.
But times have changed, and so has Maradona. Calmer and more thoughtful than before, the former Argentina captain is also fortunate to have at his disposal an impressive stream of young talent and players established in the world's biggest leagues.
For Maradona, the recipe for success is a simple one: "The players have to believe in the jersey again. You have to make the players understand they need to give everything for their country, because that's what really matters. Money is no substitute for glory."
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