NT coaches in the new millennium

When Daniel Passarella resigned after '98 World Cup, Jose Pekerman was offered the NT coaching position. Instead, he became the General Manager of the national team and hired Marcelo Bielsa to coach.

Bielsa failed in '02 World Cup. He then asked and was given a second chance. In 2004, he coached both the senior side in Copa America and U-23 in Athens Olympics. In the Copa America we were defeated by Brazil, but Bielsa managed to win the Olympic tourney. Despite the relative redemption, Bielsa resigned after the tournaments.

When Bielsa resigned, the number one candidate was Carlos Bianchi, who had 4 semesters of success in Boca Junior. But instead, Pekerman took the job himself.

Before and during the '06 World Cup campaign, Pekerman was under tremendous pressure from Grondona and AFA to play the players and the strategy they wanted to see. Pekerman insisted on his selections and settled at a player list that was mutually acceptable to himself and Grondona. The list included Sorin and Maxi but not some the players AFA wanted to play such as Zanetti, Walter Samuel and Veron. Pekerman went on to coach in '06 World Cup, but before the campaign finished, his resignation was already expected and the process for new NT coach selection had already began.

The list included Bianchi, Maradona, Miguel Angel Russo (coaching Boca now), Jorge Burruchaga (Independiente), Ramon Diaz (San Lorenzo) and Bilardo. Eventually, Basile was chosen probably due to his successful management of Boca Junior in the 2 years prior. Contract was signed till 2010.

Where are these candidates now?
Bianchi had an unsuccessful stint in Atletico Madrid and had since "disappeared". Bielsa is working on his deal to coach Chile NT for 3 million bucks. Bilardo is active in political circles and made himself heard when FIFA imposed the 2500m international match altitude limit. Pekerman is in Mexico coaching Toluca replacing another Argentine, Americo Gallego, while his tactician Hugo Tocalli just won us the U-20 WC.
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In other news. Basile handed Grondona his list of players for the friendly against Norway on 22.Aug. The names won't be publicized till next week, but it's known Javier Saviola, Gonzalo Higuaín and Javier Pinola are on the list.