Buenos Aires, Nov 3: Sergio Batista on Tuesday, Nov 2 was appointed as permanent coach of Argentina, just after Diego Maradona departed in the wake of the country's loss to Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals.

A member of the 1986 world championship team alongside the legendary Maradona, Batista, 47, will prepare the Argentine side for the 2014 World Cup in neighbouring Brazil.

"The only goal for 2014 is to win the world championship," he said.

Meanwhile, Maradona still has his supporters and while he was interviewed he said that he would return one day as the national team coach. "It is my destiny," he added.

Sources said Maradona and Batista have a frosty relationship, although Maradona said he would support the national team-no matter who was in charge. While Batista refused to comment on Maradona.

Further reports said Batista's first match as the permanent coach will be Nov. 17 against Brazil in Doha headed by Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

OneIndia News