Munich - Bayern Munich's Argentina defender Martin Demichelis is delighted about the choice of living legend Diego Maradona as new national team coach.

"Maradona is the biggest football idol we have in football. He is football-crazy. He thinks and lives football every day," the 16-times capped Demichelis told Munich's club website (www. fcbayern. de) on Friday.

"I believe he will lift our national team."

Maradona was picked as new coach in succession Alfio Basile, who resigned after 1-0 defeat against Chile in a World Cup qualifier on October 16. His first match will be a friendly in Scotland on November 19. (dpa)