Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni held a press conference on Tuesday where he spoke about the Argentina national team, winning the World Cup, Lionel Messi continuing and Alejandro Garnacho.
Lionel Scaloni has his players with him and already training before the their friendly match against Panama on Thursday. The World Cup winner spoke at a press conference in Argentina on Tuesday about many topics. Here is what he had to say about the World Cup and the support of the fans:
“For those of us had the opportunity to be on the streets in Argentina, the truth is that I feel an enormous joy. The people are happy and they us, in a way, as heroes. And it makes us happy because we gave them joy and it’s lasting. I would like the boys of the Argentina national team to also be able to go out and experience the recognition of the people.”
Scaloni also spoke about what he told the players when he saw them again:
“I thanked them again for winning the title, now it’s time to celebrate but this goes on. Now, it’s going to cost us more than ever because they are going to want to beat us much more. We need a lot more energy from everyone because everything will be more difficult.”
In regards to the national team:
“Now, a new process begins. Those who are world champions don’t have an advantage. There are kids who are going to grow and play at a high level.
“Now, it’s going to cost us more than ever because they are going to want to beat us much more. We need a lot more energy from everyone because everything will be more difficult.”
Regarding Lionel Messi continuing with the Argentina national team:
“Leo is fine, he is here to play. To continue to come back and until he says otherwise, we’ll keep going. When he changes ideas, I’ll try to convince him.”
About the injuries to Papu Gomez and Alejandro Garnacho:
“It’s a pity for both absences. Especially Papu, wh odeserved to be there. It’s understandable that they won’t let him come, but we’ll do everything we can to make sure he can be with us for a day or two.
“Unfortunately, Garnacho couldn’t come due to injury. We trust that he will be able to be here in the next call up. He’s a kid in whom we have high hopes.”
On the two friendly matches against Panama and Curaçao:
“We will face the match the same way we face all matches. The Argentina national team does not allow you not to give your all. The celebration and everything is nice but we have to do our job on the pitch.”
In regards to Rodrigo De Paul’s comments about this national team being the best team ever:
“What De Paul said was simply a comment, I believe it’s silly to talk about which national team is the best in history. If you ask me, I’d pick all three.”
The new World Cup format with 48 teams:
“In principle for South America, there are more places. It will be one more match. But even if you want to change it, football is always the same. We will sitll have a very complicated qualifying round, but we are ready to compete.”
Winning The Best coach award:
“When you win a World Cup, everything is magnified. But I can’t put myself on the same level as Ancelotti and Guardiola. I’m proud of the award but they are big words.”
On Italy calling up Mateo Retegui:
“I am in favour of not trying to convince anyone and maybe ruining something if we are not determined to call him up. It happened with Marcos Senesi, we told him we might call him up. It doesn’t make sure to cut his career short. In that position, we have guys who we think are good.”
