Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke about his future and the World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni stated after the World Cup that he might not continue as coach of the Argentina national team after his contract ends in December. Speaking in an interview with MiGu, here is what he had to say:
“After the 2024 Copa América, I also had a feeling that things were going to be tough, because after winning everything and with two years to go before the World Cup, there was some doubt about what was coming. And going back to that… feeling that we could continue competing. And, the truth is, we could.
“It’s very important that the new guys can get on board with our style of play. We’ve always done that. Our intention is to give everyone the opportunity to play in this shirt.
“From now on, a pause opens, we are going to give that a chance. I’m not talking about repeating the titles, I mean in terms of the team’s connection, that people feel identified with it, but it’s difficult to achieve.
“It won’t be easy to repeat something like this. People identified with this team, it’s scary. Scary in a good way. I think it’s difficult to attempt, I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. As a coach, as a group leader, you have to know that it’s going to be difficult. Logically, we’ll try, whether we’re there or not. That’s not the important thing,”
Scaloni also spoke about the World Cup final against Spain:
“This jersey isn’t for just anyone. They’re all great players, they bring out the best in each other. If they didn’t have a great year, they then had a great World Cup. They feel comfortable, it’s a plus, there’s a positive energy.
“We are a nation of brothers. Just because three or four people come out and say things doesn’t mean this should be tarnished. I live there (Spain) and there were even people who wanted us to win.
“It’s very important that the new guys can adapt to our style of play. We’ve always done that. Now there will surely be a break, which is great.
“This is a time to trust these young players who are knocking on the door, and I always say that age is not a factor. They will stay or new ones will come in as long as they perform well for their teams. Our intention is to give everyone the opportunity to play in this shirt.
“We arrived at the previous World Cup in much better shape, with 95% of the players at full strength; this time we arrived with just enough. I experienced a different side of things; we didn’t have players at 100%, but we trusted them.
“We made much more difficult decisions than in the previous one. Everyone who played earned it. And looking ahead, we’re going to try to bring in some young players, because they truly deserve it.
“The matches against Egypt and England were fantastic for most of us; everyone enjoyed them. We never gave up, and that’s the best message we could send.”
Its gonna be difficult for him to achieve the same kind of brotherhood with the new set of players, they may have to be trusted for a long spells even though we may loose some matches. Atleast 10 or even more new players in various positions will have to come to the current squad before the Copa 2028.
Scaloni has seen the lows and highs of an entire era. Its not about can he do it again. Its about does he have the motivation to keep going for us. Its human nature if we keep on doing same stuffs we will get bored of it. May be he is exhausted and may like to have a new environment to freshen up his mind. We never know. Lets see what happens in December. Looking at his words i feel like he is not gonna stay.