Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni held a press conference on Saturday before the Copa America final.
Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference next to Emiliano Martínez where Martínez spoke about the Copa America final, his four finals with Argentina and penalty kicks in football. Scaloni spoke about the team. Here is what he had to say:
“We always try to play the same way. The DNA of this team is the same and that is the most important thing. We will try to win the final from the game. Our way of playing fútbol will not change.
“We hope it will be a party tomorrow. That would be on a par with winning a championship. I have the microphone and the luck to say it, I think we have to transmit that tranquility.
“The team we are going to put out tomorrow will be the one we think we can win. I don’t know if I haven’t repeated the team for five years, it’s not a statistic that worries me. We will evaluate it this afternoon.
“Our way of playing is not going to change, but it is clear that a final is always special.
“We are preparing in the best way, knowing the difficulty of the match against Colombia, but with the illusion of being able to play our game. Afterwards, fútbol has many surprises, but we will try to play our game and not let them hurt us.
“And who do I take out? We don’t usually change players’ positions, only when we have a fitness problem. It may be an option, we’ll see with today’s training.
“We want people to identify with these players. To transmit illusion. I have a photo in the gallery of my house in Pujato, where I am training with the National Team’s jersey. We have been carrying that illusion since we were kids.”
Scaloni also spoke about Ángel Di María:
“Ángel did not play vs. Ecuador and it could have been his last game. Mistakes or not, we considered that he did not have to play that game. Although it will be his last game, the decision will be with the team ahead of him.”
He also spoke about the coaching staff:
“I would be nothing without my colleagues on the coaching staff. Much of what we have achieved is thanks to the group. We are living the moment, enjoying it in our own way, and knowing that when the match approaches, the tension will be greater. We are reassured by the work we have done.”
Can somebody please post a link to watch it??
I find it humorous, annoying, and naive when the usual Mundo critics trash Messi and Di Maria for their age and for not fitting the “pace merchant” profile anymore.
First, we are not France. We do not depend on pace. Our style is mostly build-up play like Spain’s, but we counter-attack when the opportunity arises. We have never relied on pace to beat opponents. Our possession usually ranges from 40-70% with high # passes, yet the same users complain about age and lack of pace as if it ever mattered.
What is most important is our ability to pass the ball around with precision, open 2-3 passing options at all times, compact backline & md, and press the opposition as a unit to death when defending. The precision and compactness part are particularly alarming given how messy we are times.
Now back to the gods..Messi may be slower, but who cares? Messi and Di Maria are so creative, clinical, unpredictable, that I would take them over any pace merchant you desire.
Well said
100%
Great analysis. Plus, one would probably logically think Lautaro should start because he has the most goals (in the whole Copa) but I believe the Alvarez thing is to cover up the deficit of the pace with Di Maria and Messi for a final like this. He will do his rabid, all out pressing and try to outpace the defenders. He’s still not like the French attacks in speed like you say but still very good.
I know this is more of an emotional, fantastical bit of reasoning but Di Maria’s record with finals means that for me he HAS to play even if he’s slower and has lesser form than before. I believe he will be decisive when he has to be and score. It’s written.
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