Al Wasl tells Diego Maradona to keep working hard

Al Wasl says it has emphasized the importance of ''collaboration and teamwork'' during a meeting with coach Diego Maradona, who has threatened to quit the UAE club over a restrictive budget. In a carefully worded statement Monday, Al Wasl says the former Argentina great was told during a meeting Sunday to continue working hard on improving the club's chances to end the season in ''an advanced league position.'' It also called on Maradona to continue ''bolstering the team's spirit.'' Maradona signed a two-year contract with Al Wasl in July. Last week, he said he may not return next season if the club doesn't buy the kind of players that would allow him to compete for the UAE league title.