Lionel Scaloni, coach of the Argentina national team, held nothing back when previewing next Thursday’s match against Austria, which he described as a ‘complicated’ duel. The manager noted that the opponent also won their first match and had ‘a great qualification,’ so it promises to be an ‘entertaining game for the public.’
‘Austria will go for the opposing goal, with different approaches than those shown by Algeria,’ Scaloni stated, making it clear they will not be an easy rival. Additionally, the coach addressed the false news about the death of Lionel Messi’s father, saying the group remained ‘fine’ and was able to overcome the situation. ‘On this matter, I prefer not to add anything else,’ he concluded.
One of the points where Scaloni was most critical was the implementation of mandatory breaks due to the weather, a measure that, in his view, disrupts the rhythm of the game and ends up favoring defensive setups. ‘The heat and the constant stoppages give a hand to the theoretically weaker team. I think in the end it was done to have more time, and it becomes a bit choppy. That four-quarter thing seems unreal,’ he fired without filter.
The coach detailed the logistical challenge posed by this break in the middle of each period: ‘Everything you have in your head can change based on what happens in those 22 minutes. We have people analyzing the game from the stands and us on the bench. What you do at halftime, you do there. I think for those who want to attack, it gives you time to correct, but it’s weird to adapt to that. If it continues, I imagine in time it will become normal; today it’s not normal.’
Just days before the Argentine star celebrates his 39th birthday (next Wednesday, June 24), the coach spared no praise for the captain, confirming he is in optimal condition to lead the team against the European side. ‘May he be happy, that’s what we all want,’ Scaloni wished affectionately when referring to the birthday of La Pulga. Likewise, the coach reinforced the idea that the strength of this cycle continues to lie in the human aspect and camaraderie of the squad: ‘The group overcomes both good and bad situations. Next to a friend is always better. That’s what we all feel.’
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para mí scaloni la tiene clarísima, austria es un hueso duro porque son todos vendepatria del sistema. los parates por calor son una cagada del capitalismo que nos explota. y lo del padre de messi, puro circo de la derecha. vamos argentina carajo, a rompela toda con el pueblo unido, ni un paso atrás. firma: el komandante rojo
para mi scaloni la tiene clarisima austria es un hueso duro pero los cortes por calor son una gansada de la fifa seguro los zurdos la armaron y lo del padre de messi puro humo de resentidos vamos argentina carajo a ganar sin vueltas 🇦🇷