Maradona OK and mulling choices, says doctor

Maradona`s doctor said that the coach was doing well and had not slipped back into using drugs.

Buenos Aires: Maradona`s doctor said that the Argentina coach was doing well and had not slipped back into

using drugs and alcohol since his team was eliminated from the World Cup with a 4-0 loss to Germany in the quarterfinals. Dr Alfredo Cahe said in a radio interview yesterday that Maradona was mulling over his choices. Cahe was critical of rumors spreading that the 49-year-old coach, who recently said he has been clean for six years, was severely depressed and using drugs and alcohol again. "He`s a bit down, logically," Cahe said. "But he`s not deeply depressed. Nothing like what they (the media) are saying here, that he has slipped back into his addictions. What a thing to say." Maradona has been holed up at his home in suburban Buenos Aires following the loss to Germany on July 3. He has not said if he will continue as coach. "As he (Maradona) says, it was a strange game," Cahe said. "I thought I was going to find him in much worse shape, but no. I see him being reflective. He`s not resigned to the loss, but angry because the victory escaped him." The Argentine Football Association has said he can continue if he wants, with Argentina the host nation for next year`s Copa America. Cahe gave no hint about Maradona`s plans. "Diego is going to give us more happiness," Cahe said. "He is thinking about his future in football." Regarded as the best player of his generation, Maradona has been lambasted at home for his inability to get the most out of a team featuring some of the world`s top players like Lionel Messi (Barcelona) and Carlos Tevez (Manchester City). Bureau Report