Bilardo hits back at Maradona

Carlos Bilardo, who has been accused by Diego Maradona of betrayal and working behind the scenes to have him dismissed as Argentina's coach, says the former playing great was to blame for his own downfall.



Bilardo, who coached the 1986 World Cup winning team led by Maradona and the 1990 team that finished second, says until now he has kept his mouth shut for the good of Argentina's national team.



Maradona accused Bilardo, who is the Argentine national team director, of betrayal and Argentine Football Association president Julio Grondona of lying in a 10-minute speech yesterday.



The outburst followed the Argentine Football Association’s decision Tuesday not to renew his contract.



Bilardo says a news conference is scheduled for next week to tell his side of the events.



The Argentine Football Association said it offered Maradona a four-year contract to continue until the 2014 World Cup, but only if he would drop seven members of his coaching and backroom staff.



Maradona declined, although many criticized him for his lack of tactical knowledge and his unwillingness to seek help.



Bilardo took some credit for winning the 1986 World Cup, and finishing second four years later and said Maradona owed him a debt of gratitude.