The other boss' opinion: GRONDONA speaks

"There are always some troubles in every family. We'll try to minimize the pain that this situation has caused".

"Football has this things. It's difficult. When there are situations like this. I'm hurt, but at the same time, I'm not surprised".

"I always speak with players and managers. It's one of my duties. I have no problems speaking with RIQUELME".

I would like to point out that he didn't say: "Yes, I'm going to call RIQUELME". He said he had no problems talking with RIQUELME but didn't imply he wants to call him or will call him.

"I think both Diego and RIQUELME haven't offended each other on television. They spoked publicly but without offending each other. I think it all got out of proportion".

"Diego MARADONA came to my mother's funeral (she died the same day RIQUELME made his announcement), but of course we haven't spoken because it wasn't the right time".

"MARADONA is the number one today for Argentina. He is the one in charge. We didn't bring BILARDO to use him as a Plan B in case MARADONA failed".

Then GRONDONA spoke about football-related issues:

"We have an advantage over most national teams with players the like of MESSI, TEVEZ, AGÜERO. They make a difference. They are in a league or their own."

"I think goalkeepers play a huge part in the success of a football team. If you revised our history, you'll find great goalkeepers behind every successful campaign. Take FILLOL as an example. Nowadays, we've got excellent prospects in that position. I think CARRIZO is a proven goalkeeper and he's been excellent every time he played for Argentina. Sergio ROMERO too. He was brilliant in Beijing and he went through almost the entire tournament (after USTARI got injured) without making any mistakes".