Batista set to be confirmed as Argentina coach

Interim Argentina coach Sergio Batista, who succeeded Diego Maradona in July, is set to be confirmed in his post by the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) on Tuesday.

The AFA executive committee are expected to make the announcement the day after a meeting at which Batista assisted, according to AFA sources on Monday.

Batista was asked for “a summary of his interim role and to explain what he expected to do if appointed,” AFA spokesman Andres Ventura said after the meeting.

Batista, who lad Argentina to the 2008 Olympic title, has the backing of the AFA’s powerful president Julio Grondona.

The 1986 world champion has also the support of 2009 Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.

“I want him to stay because we feel comfortable with him, the group is working well and I love our style of play,” said Barcelona striker Messi.

Appointed after Argentine legend Maradona’s side exited the World Cup after a heavy 4-0 quarter-final defeat to Germany, Batista has had mixed fortunes. After a 1-0 win in Ireland, and a 4-1 success against a depleted Spain, Argentina fell 1-0 to Japan.

Maradona, however, remains bitter towards his former teammate.

“If Batista says that Messi is now happy it’s because he disguised himself as ‘Pinon Fijo’ (a clown in a television show), because ‘el Checho’ (Batista’s nickname) cannot make anyone happy.”

Argentina have failed to win a title since the 1993 Copa America.

They are set to play an important match against Brazil on November 17 in Doha.