Maradona also hit back at reports of a rift between him and team manager Carlos Bilardo.

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Argentina were coached by Carlos Bilardo, an arch-pragmatist who saw football as a conflict in which the end justifies the means.

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Former Argentina coach Carlos Bilardo, his former agent Guillermo Coppola and ex-Argentina international Hector Enrique have also been to see the stricken star.

BBC: Maradona in intensive care

Although Maradona did not specify his conditions, it is believed that he is unhappy with technical director Carlos Bilardo's interference in team affairs.

BBC: Maradona denies threat to resign