Atletico coach digs heels in over ´new Maradona´

Atletico Madrid’s new coach Abel Resino has dug his heels in against club fans who were upset at his decision to substitute Argentine striker Sergio “Kun” Aguero, who has been dubbed the ‘new Maradona’.

Resino subbed the 20-year-old fans’ favourite early in the second half of their 2-2 draw Tuesday against Porto in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie, drawing whistles of protest from the home fans.

But asked if he would make the substitution again, Resino told El Mundo: “Yes, why not? If I felt it was the right move, for sure. No one is untouchable here.”

He added: “Kun is another player, who is important for us when he is well, but another player. That is, he plays or does not play.

“The public is sovereign and can decide whatever it wants but I can’t explain every decision to the whole world. I don’t have time.”

Aguero has not finished a game since Resino replaced Javier Aguirre as Atletico coach at the beginning of February, fueling speculation the player may be on his way out of the Spanish club.

English Premiership sides Chelsea and Manchester City have in the past been linked to a move for the ace with Italian side Inter Milan also reportedly interested in signing the ace.