Nalbandian stays, Mancini to go in Argentina shake-up (Feature)

Nov 25, 2008, 14:04 GMT

Buenos Aires - Losing finalist Argentina are preparing for a changing of the coaching guard, but disappointed David Nalbandian has vowed to extend his Davis Cup career into 2009.

Resonance from the weekend 3-1 loss to visiting Spain in Mar del Plata has forced captain Alberto Mancini to advise that he will be resigning after four years at the helm.

During that period, he led the South American powerhouse to 2006 and 2008 losing finals.

Mancini proved unable to spark his side to victory over Spain even with world number one Rafael Nadal out with a knee injury.

'It's the end of a cycle, and one during which we got to the final twice and the semi-finals once. I'm satisfied with what I've been able to do,' said the skipper.

'We have to learn a lot from this but not just the players. The country as a whole, everyone, needs to learn to row in the same direction. It's very difficult for us to row in the same direction, sometimes an effort is made but we need more.'

Mancini blamed distractions from political maneuvering in choosing a site which ultimately resulted in the provincial city of Mar del Plata hosting the event.

'I always said we ought to be talking about tennis and not the venue. Everything became political. We lost focus a bit.'

Nalbandian denied reports of a rift between himself and his teammates and said he will be back for the first round in March against the Netherlands.

'It's an honour to represent my country, I'm going to continue defending the colours,' said the national number two behind Juan Del Potro.

'Playing the Davis Cup is the best - I'm upset that people have doubted me.'

Nalbandian called the loss to Spain 'our worst defeat. We had a sinister weekend.'

Local media had reported that Nalbandian, who stayed away from the Masters Cup in Shanghai, lashed out at Juan Del Potro, who did play halfway across the world after qualifying for the year-end ATP spectacular.

International tennis officials may be looking at putting a stop to squabbling by decreeing that only capitals and other major 'brand' cities will be used to stage ties in future.