From Buenos Aires Times · · 1m
Scaloni explains Argentina's friendly schedule
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says team faces weak opponents in friendlies due to limited international fixtures.
In brief
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says team faces weak opponents in friendlies due to limited international fixtures. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni explains team plays weaker opponents in friendlies because few elite teams are available for matches. Originally reported by Buenos Aires Times.
Scaloni on team performance
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he was satisfied with his team’s performance in Saturday’s 7-0 thrashing of Burkina Faso.
“We don’t have many options. There are only a few teams available. It’s not as if we can choose. Everything is already closed or blocked”
Scaloni on match difficulty
Scaloni admitted he would prefer to face more demanding opponents but said few alternatives exist.
“We will probably go abroad to play. Obviously, I would like to face strong opponents, but there aren’t many alternatives”
Scaloni on relative difficulty
Scaloni said match difficulty does not depend on opponent reputation but on how players approach the game.
“We reached the highest level without facing those opponents. At the World Cup, the match we suffered most in was against a team that was theoretically low level”
Scaloni on new players
Scaloni noted new players bring freshness and desire but must not be burdened with responsibility.
“All the young players are bringing freshness and the desire to be here. We mustn’t burden them with responsibility when they wear the Argentina shirt”
Scaloni on Messi farewell
Scaloni highlighted emotion of Messi’s farewell match after 21 years with Argentina.
“The emotion of everyone, including Leo. It will be an unforgettable day for everyone”
Scaloni on future
Scaloni said he has no obligation to continue as coach but will experience the job responsibly.
“There is no obligation here. When something is done, it is because you want to do it”
In short
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni explains team plays weaker opponents in friendlies because few elite teams are available for matches.
