CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AFP) — Diego Maradona admitted yesterday he was devastated to be out of the World Cup and indicated that he may quit as Argentina coach, but said that he needed time to think about his future.

The former midfield maestro was so dejected after seeing his team crushed 4-0 by Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals that he said in his post-match press-conference that “I may leave tomorrow”.

Pushed on whether he was quitting, Maradona appeared to backtrack.

“We will see what happens. I haven’t thought about leaving, I have to check with my family, with the players. There are a number of things I have to consider,” said the 49-year-old.

Maradona, who retired from playing on his 37th birthday in 1997, was appointed coach in November 2008 after overcoming cocaine addiction despite having little previous managerial experience.

He said the Argentine dressing room was sombre after the Germany game and thanked his players several times for their efforts in South Africa.

“In the dressing room I thanked them. I did not talk about the future because this not the moment to do so,” he said.

“I believe that the best one can do right now with them is to thank them for all the days we spent together. They behaved as true professionals.”

While Maradona was clearly upset at losing, it was the size of the defeat that was the real surprise.

Few expected Germany to take them apart as they did, with Argentina coming into the match having won all their group games and the round of 16 clash against Mexico.

Maradona suggested that the scoreline did not tell the real story, despite Germany controlling the game.

“We studied Germany well and defined exactly who was playing where but from the first cross they got a goal and suddenly it was a different match,” said Maradona of Thomas Mueller’s opening goal in the third minute.

“We made it easy for them. They had more ideas and better control of the ball. They took advantage of the opportunities they had.

“But this does not take away from my belief that the result does not correspond with what happened on the pitch.

“Germany won 4-0 and I don’t want to justify anything. You have matches that turn out this way and others that turn out another way.”