Maradona silences 'stupid' critics

Controversial and combative as ever, Diego Maradona made his Mexican coaching debut Monday with a 4-1 win for his new club, the second-division side Dorados.

It could hardly have been otherwise in the country that saw the Argentine legend score his infamous "hand of God" goal as he led his country to the 1986 World Cup title.

Alternately grinning and defensive, Maradona thumbed his nose at his critics after Ecuadoran forward Vinicio Angulo scored a hat trick to give Dorados the win over Cafeteleros of Tapachula.

"Some people said Maradona's useless. There were a lot of stupid people going on television to fill up the time," Maradona told a packed post-match press conference in Culiacan, Sinaloa, his new club's home base.

"I hope they'll come to the pitch now and look at my record and see what we're actually doing, see that I know how to do this."

Maradona vowed it was just the beginning for the struggling club but not all Dorados fans are convinced.

Maradona arrived to a hero's welcome last week, but has also been the butt of jokes about why someone who has battled publicly with drug addiction might take a job in the heart of Mexican drug cartel country.

"I'm not expecting much. Maradona has never shown himself to be a good coach," said Kevin Juarez, a 26-year-old fan.

Others are optimistic. "With Maradona's help, this club can gain a little character and get promoted," said Hector Cuen, 40.

Even El Diego only managed to fill Dorados's 20,000-seat stadium to about half capacity -- though that was still more than double the average attendance at the club's most recent home matches.

Maradona, however, was unfazed by the empty seats. "Dorados fans are amazing," he said. "I looked up and thought I was on the field at Boca" -- his old Buenos Aires club, which is legendary for packing its stadium with rowdy crowds.