Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference on Thursday where he commented on the team, the starting eleven against Uruguay and individual players.
In the same press conference, Scaloni commented on Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala missing both matches due to injuries, picking Benjanín Domínguez over Alejandro Garnacho, Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone and Santiago Castro. Here is what he had to say:
“Unfortunately, Messi couldn’t be here. He got injured, and we were waiting until the last moment for a verdict.
“I’ve been talking with him. He hasn’t been well with his adductor for a while. It’s a shame he’s not here because we know what he means for us.”
Lionel Scaloni spoke about Paulo Dybala’s injury:
“Yesterday I exchanged some messages with Paulo (Dybala). The news about his operation is sad news. For us, beyond the player, the person is very important. It hurts us that he can’t be here and we let him know.”
Scaloni also stated why he selected Benjamín Domínguez over Alejandro Garnacho:
“We looked at his present form. He’s a kid who’s doing well, who can play on the right or left wing, who easily takes a man off his back, who can bring us things the team didn’t have.
“When it came to deciding between him and Ale (Garnacho), we decided to get to know him. To see him. In the end, it was the only way to get a feel for the player. That’s why we decided to bring him.”
He also commented on Julián Álvarez:
“Julián is a guy who gives any coach a lot of options. He is very important.”
On Giuliano Simeone:
“Giuliano Simeone is a boy who helps any coach, he has a chance to play. He can play on the right or the left, and if he were a winger, he would have to defend as well. He will be a great help for our national team.”
His thoughts on Santiago Castro:
“Bologna played in the Champions League, so the number of matches is the same as the other teams. Castro a kid who’s playing well, who’s adapting to Italian football, and he’s done well in recent matches.
“Castellanos was in that position, but due to an injury we decided on Castro; he’s physically strong, has good movement, and can contribute . He’s a newcomer; he’ll have to adapt. If we need him to come in, that’s fine, and it’s a joy.”
