The idea of Maradona leading Argentina to glory and lifting the World Cup again at Soccer City next month must inhabit FIFA president Sepp Blatter's worst nightmares.
But if, after all the ridicule he has suffered, he confounds his critics by fashioning his collection of superstars into world champions, it will rank only second among his achievements to inspiring an ordinary side to its 1986 triumph.
Some of his decisions since he took over in November 2008 are best described as eccentric and there are many who feel the only reason Argentina are not favourites to win the tournament is because having Maradona in charge is tantamount to sabotage.
There was little method in the training session yesterday. And no actual coaching. Maradona watched the players larking around and smacking each other on the back of the head for a while and let them have a match for an hour. That was it.
