Argentina National Team coach Jorge SAMPAOLI had a lot to say about the Argentina team, from Lionel MESSI to Gonzalo HIGUAIN to much more.

With qualification secured and two friendly matches (supposed to be played) next month, SAMPAOLI has a beat of breathing room. Following the announcement of his latest squad to play Russia and a second team, the coach had this to say:

Jorge SAMPAOLI on Gonzalo HIGUAIN

“HIGUAIN is a player that’s always present. He has nothing to prove. It’ll be up to us to evaluate if HIGUAIN will be at the World Cup or not.
“Making sure that players are able to play with each other is a coach’s job. I don’t see it being that difficult for MESSI and DYBALA to be able to complement each other on the pitch.

Jorge SAMPAOLI on Argentina

“The friendly matches are confirmed. We will play against Russia and we are in advanced talks for the second one. Argentina are in the elite. Germany Spain have the advantage becasue they’ve had the same ideas for years. A coach knows that one day he is insulted and the next he’s not. I am aware of that. I had to complete the goal of a country who’s main priority is football: That was to qualify.

“The list won’t change much from the last one (domestic based list), it’ll be four or five players from the domestic league. If there are players from Boca or River Plate, they will travel after the Superclasico.

Jorge SAMPAOLI on Lionel MESSI

“Leo brings what he always brings: Being the best player in the world. I’ve always had a Leo that was committed, amateur and full of emotions. I’ve been thrilled to see MESSI. Seeing him committed excites us all.

Jorge SAMPAOLI on Sergio AGUERO and others

“AGUERO gives us a chance of a partnership with Leo (MESSI) on the pitch. I also see him as a number 9. Today, we have the chance to pick among the best forwards in the world. The partnerships between players should be a lot.

“The obligation to win is something that has been generated in football. They’ve discarded the idea of losing. We must try to relieve the obligation to win and make the team feel happy.

“These matches will help us evaluate PEROTTI and KRANEVITTER. I see ROJO as a central defender and not as an attacking full back. But for ACUNA I do.

“The AFA President has always been by our side.

“I’ve come for this: To coach Argentina at the World Cup. A World Cup is totally different from the qualifiers. The obligation to win sometimes makes you doubt yourself. Now we have to prepare. We are going to be on top of every player to ensure they reach the World Cup in the best way.

“The World Cup draw brings in a mountain of emotions. It’s very important to see what the group brings you. It’s not the same to play an Italy or an England in the first round.