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SAMPAOLI: “Leo is looking forward to playing at another World Cup”

World Cup Qualifiers

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August 29, 2017

SAMPAOLI: “Leo is looking forward to playing at another World Cup”

Argentina National Team coach Jorge SAMPAOLI held a press conference in front of the media where he discussed a number of things.

Days before the big match against Uruguay, SAMPAOLI commented on why he called-up Mauro ICARDI and not Gonzalo HIGUAIN, Lionel MESSI playing with Paulo DYBALA, preparation and much more. There’s also the latest line-up from training. Here’s what he had to say:

Jorge SAMPAOLI on Argentina vs. Uruguay

“The team is not yet confirmed but we have different alternatives to play this very important match. This match against Uruguay, we’ve been working on it for some time.

“The idea to talk with every single player has to do with achieving a union before such an important match. What matters is putting together a number of players that will strengthen the team and join the Argentina attack. The idea is to have the possibility of an Argentina team who imposes itself through a defined attacking characteristic.

“Luis SUAREZ is a very valuable striker. If he plays, he can alter the system. He’s something extra Uruguay have because he’s their best footballer. Playing STUANI is not the same.”

On calling-up Mauro ICARDI over Gonzalo HIGUAIN

“It’s to do with the analysis of what happened with the national team last time. We need a striker who, as well as goals, has the characteristics of an assist-maker. That’s we why called him up.

“We’re facing a reality in which we are left outside of Russia and, with little time left, we have to take advantage of every virtue in this squad.

“When we talked with Gonzalo, we told him why we didn’t call him up. We told him that we’re hopeful of there being an argument that he can be with us again.”

On playing Lionel MESSI and Paulo DYBALA

“It’s very important to know if MESSI and DYBALA complement each other because it would be a disadvantage for the team if they isolate themselves. Leo is looking forward to playing at another World Cup. Coaching the best in the world is very important for me, to see him train, to see him move.”

On Lucas BIGLIA

“BIGLIA arrived in a good shape. He didn’t have enough minutes with his club but I’ve been following his preparations day by day. fortunately we can count on Lucas. He has a big desire to be with us, having him in good condition is an advantage for us.”

There was also the latest line-up from training which had Leandro PAREDES in midfield. Here it is:
ROMERO; MERCADO, MASCHERANO, OTAMENDI; RIGONI, BIGLIA, PAREDES, DI MARIA; ICARDI, MESSI, DYBALA

In contrast, here was yesterday’s line-up from training:
ROMERO; MERCADO, FAZIO/MASCHERANO, OTAMENDI; DI MARIA, BIGLIA, PIZARRO, ACOSTA; DYBALA, MESSI; ICARDI

Here are clips from the training sessions:

[ELIMINATORIAS] Imágenes del primer entrenamiento de la semana de la @Argentina, bajo la conducción de Jorge Sampaoli pic.twitter.com/LJWoDj8Gpd

— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) August 28, 2017

The legend #Messi IG #WeAreMessi pic.twitter.com/TUoL500SYv

— Leo Messi (@WeAreMessi) August 29, 2017

Lucas ALARIO to Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen

Transfer

Roy Nemer

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August 29, 2017

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Lucas ALARIO to Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen

Some controversy as River Plate’s Lucas ALARIO is set to join Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite the international break going on, the transfer news never stop. According to a report, Argentina international Lucas ALARIO of River Plate has already undergone a medical to join German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. The transfer would be for a five year deal. However, the problem appears to be that ALARIO underwent the medical without River Plate’s permission. There appears to be a letter floating around from River Plate asking the Bundesliga team to stop pursuing ALARIO, threatening legal action if they were to continue.

MESSI, ICARDI, DYBALA in rumored Argentina eleven

World Cup Qualifiers

Roy Nemer

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August 28, 2017

12

MESSI, ICARDI, DYBALA in rumored Argentina eleven

The three monster forwards of MESSI, ICARDI, DYBALA are set to start for the Albiceleste when they visit Uruguay.

Lionel MESSI, Mauro ICARDI and Paulo DYBALA are all rumored to start for Argentina. According to rumors coming out of the media in Argentina, the three will spearhead the Argentina attack with Jorge SAMPAOLI playing a hybrid 3-4-2-1/3-4-3 line-up. Here’s the rumored eleven for Argentina.

MESSI, ICARDI, DYBALA in the line-up

ROMERO; MERCADO, FAZIO/MASCHERANO, OTAMENDI; DI MARIA, BIGLIA, PIZARRO, ACOSTA; DYBALA, MESSI; ICARDI

The idea appears to be that Inter captain Mauro ICARDI will play in front of DYBALA and MESSI when they would play as a 3-4-2-1 but DYBALA and MESSI could act as wingers if shifting into a 3-4-3 formation.

Manuel LANZINI out of Argentina team due to injury

World Cup Qualifiers

Roy Nemer

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August 28, 2017

8

Manuel LANZINI out of Argentina team due to injury

Manuel LANZINI is out of the Argentina National Team due to an injury.

A tweet from the Argentina National Team has confirmed that Manuel LANZINI of West Ham United is out of the Argentina National Team. LANZINI will miss both of Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying matches against Uruguay and Venezuela. The tweet states that LANZINI has suffered an injury to his right knee.

Manuel LANZINI out but replacement?

No news as to whether or not a replacement will be called to the team. If you missed it, the domestic list of players was announced on Sunday night.

Poll: How has Jorge SAMPAOLI done so far?

World Cup Qualifiers

Roy Nemer

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August 28, 2017

15

Poll: How has Jorge SAMPAOLI done so far?

With the entire list of players now being announced and two matches behind us, how has Argentina coach Jorge SAMPAOLI done so far?

When Jorge SAMPAOLI was given the reigns of the Argentina National Team, the team was (and some could say still is) in disarray. A mess in World Cup Qualifiers, fans (myself included) angry at the inclusion of certain players, the lack of fresh new (and young) faces and the list can go on and on. However, with two matches behind us and now two lists being released, it’s safe to say the tide is slowly changing.

A 1-0 friendly match victory against Brazil may not seem like much on paper, especially since the Brazilians were missing a few players, but for a team who was (is?) massively struggling, playing their first match under their second new coach in less than a year against one of the better organized teams in world football with some improvement on the pitch… A 1-0 victory seems like a big moral booster.

The second match was a demolition of Singapore. Many new faces, Leandro PAREDES, Manuel LANZINI just to name two of them, a better playing style and just a breath of fresh air, the team could be seen as being on the right path.

Now, the big test is upon them. Away to Uruguay in the World Cup Qualifiers. The thought of seeing Lionel MESSI partner up with Paulo DYBALA and Mauro ICARDI (at last) for Argentina leaves me salovating at the idea. Having Leandro PAREDES, Augusto FERNANDEZ, Marcos ACUNA, Manuel LANZINI and even Javier PASTORE as midfield choices makes it that much better. Throw in a competent coach at the helm and excuse me for being optimistic about our chances of winning!

With my opinion out of the way, it’s time to read yours! How do you think Jorge SAMPAOLI has done so far? Let us know by voting below and leaving your thoughts in the comments section!

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