Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke about Alexis Mac Allister’s fitness, Lionel Messi and the injuries.
Lionel Scaloni held a press conference on Tuesday where he commented on the fitness level of Alexis Mac Allister and the injuries to the team. Mac Allister was substituted out as a precaution for Liverpool in their last match and Scaloni has spoken about the 25 year old. Here is what he had to say:
“Alexis (Mac Allister) is training separately. We will see if he will make it. It is difficult for him to make it to the first game, especially because of the fitness issue. We hope not to lose any more players.”
Scaloni also commented on Lionel Messi:
“Leo (Messi) is fine. He played several games before coming here. That’s what he needed. He is fit and will be part of the team.”
The Argentina national team coach commented on players getting injured:
“It is a very difficult date for us in the call. We had a lot of uncertainties. Bringing players from Europe is difficult now. We have to take advantage of players who are in Argentinean football.”
He also spoke about Emiliano Martínez being suspended:
“He has already expressed himself and he has been fine. He expressed himself in a very respectful and correct way. It is fair what he said. These are things that cannot happen again. Especially because the team cannot afford not to have Dibu or Cuti. They are important players.
“In my case, I do not agree with the sanction. Logically, as a coach, I don’t like to lose players. We have to emphasize that when a player is penalized, cautioned or sent off, it has to be worth it and be part of the game. That is what is important. I don’t agree because much worse things happen and they are not sanctioned. I don’t think so, but I’m not the one who sanctions”.
Very well said about the sanctions. The players need to be more responsible. At the same time, officiating bodied need to judge the merit of a case on the basis of gravity. However, this is a big test for Scaloni as he would be going ahead with a team which is not necessarily his best, thought he would have an ageing Messi. Eager to see if he can still get a motivated display from his team.