lionel scaloniArgentine soccer coach and world champion in Qatar 2022, declared that if he had to choose between Diego Armando Maradona and Leo Messi he would stay with Messi, “the best in history”, and with whom he said he has “something special”.
The Argentine coach has been the architect of the great successes of the Albiceleste team since he took the reins in 2018 and his record as coach includes a World Cup (2022), a Copa América (2021) and a Conmebol-UEFA Champions Cup (2022). ).
“The World Cup was a movie and an incredible journey. The key to the entire championship was having enjoyed it knowing how difficult it was and that anyone could win it,” said Scaloni, who revealed that since he returned from Qatar he has not seen the match again. final.
“Until the eighty minute I knew it was a spectacular game but from then on it was different. I have the images and the game in my head. It was a shame not to have closed it in ninety minutes because a goal from them at the end of the game would have been unfair. extension,” he said.
“The technical talk of the final was very emotional. I was moved and I couldn’t continue. We felt that it was a spectacular moment. When a team like Argentina achieves that communion, it’s screwed,” confessed Scaloni, who assured that, as a footballer, “I wouldn’t play in this selection”. “The level is higher than before and that’s why I wouldn’t play for the national team. As a player I look like Rodrigo De Paul but he plays better,” he said.
On the quarterfinal match against the Netherlands, refereed by the Spanish referee Mateu LahozScaloni recognized that “they did not make it easy” and the environment previously created by the Dutch coach, Louis Van Gaal, clouded the game.
“They provoked the game before playing it and their coach said several things that turned you on. The game was hot but not more than normal. When they attack you you have to respond. Attacking or attacking for the sake of attacking, no,” said Scaloni, who told an anecdote of his relationship with Mateu.
“In a Málaga-Mallorca he asked me for a shirt. It was his first or second game. He is a great referee, I have no doubt, but the game was not easy for him. He got hot and we didn’t help him take it easy”, he declared. Scaloni, in ‘El partidazo’ of Cadena COPE.
Scaloni also gave his opinion on his preferences as a footballer between Diego Armando Maradona and Leo Messi, the two most important players in Argentine history. “If I have to stay with one, I’ll stay with Leo, with whom I have something special. He is the best in history, although Maradona was also great,” he stressed.
“Training Messi is not difficult. At a technical level he cannot be corrected but if at times there is pressure or a way to attack, it is explained to him. To press, steal balls and when there is blood, he is number one,” he said.
One of the unknowns that Scaloni did not want to reveal is how the negotiation is for his continuity as Argentina’s coach. “I am traveling to Buenos Aires these days, I hope to sit down with the president and see if we reach the agreement we want. I have a good relationship, I thank him for the opportunity and when he goes we will announce what has to be,” he commented.
Asked about the possibility of if he would train in the future Spain, Scaloni was blunt. “Why not? Spain gave me a lot and it’s my second home.” “Any Argentine would say the same because they treat us incredibly well. I feel part of this country but Spain does well to have Spanish coaches. If I could have a pass from a Spanish player for my team it would be Pedri,” he concluded.
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