Lionel Scaloni, Argentine coach, spoke at the press conference after the semifinal against England and highlighted the character and spirit of his players to lift, once again, a tie that was against them. The Albiceleste coach was full of praise for Leo Messi and analyzed the upcoming final against Spain.
The importance of the bench
“It seems great to me that they enjoy being in a final, that they thank the players because this group is difficult to explain in words, my voice breaks, it is a demonstration of a lot of things, of a group, of brotherhood, of not giving up, of fighting until the end. After this we are going to try to win the final. These guys have moved me. I don’t have many more things to say. It’s all thanks to them. I am grateful to the players. A special mention to those who do not play , who support from the outside, who have to train when the others rest. Those who came off the bench today have been fundamental.”
Avoid controversy
“This aid thing is going to continue to exist. It doesn’t bother me. Today with the VAR it is very difficult for them to help you. Speaking of the game, I think that this team plays best when we are in difficulty and the rival hesitates a little, there we see blood and we go wherever it takes. The team has shown that it has fought until the end and for me that is fundamental. Starting with their goal it was a demonstration of everything we want for our football, not just tactics or playing nice.
Semifinal in Qatar
“I don’t remember how I was that day after the semi-final in Croatia. I can’t compare today’s game with the one in ’86 because I was very young. We thought that with Egypt was the best and I think this surpassed it. On a playing level, it’s not to compare, but I think it was incredible. I’m already worried, they already have to go rest and I have to prepare for the game. They are the only moments we have of complete happiness and we also have to enjoy.”
The difficulty with injuries
“The worst moment was undoubtedly the days before giving the list, we were in a difficult situation. Things outside of football, the injuries, have made us stronger. You have to trust them, when they tell you that they are going to arrive well, that was the breaking point of everything.”
The epic, once again
“We thought we weren’t going to see more. I know them, I know what they are like, they are Indians, in the good sense of the word. They have grown up in environments where they were not afraid of anything. As children they competed and nothing was expected of them, the responsibility does not weigh on them. They are only thinking about playing football as they have done all their lives. That is what makes me very proud.”
Beyond victory
“I’m not motivated by winning. I would love to become world champion. I’ve been through a lot of things in recent years to think about whether I’m successful. The most important thing is how you face situations and how we’ve faced them in recent times. I’m not worried about what people think of me. Being the coach of the National Team, how can they not criticize you? I’m motivated by my boys going out on the field well and understanding that there is always a tomorrow. If we become world champions on Monday, we have to continue again. A story that will never end.”
Wait Spain
“Spain is a great team. I think they were a fair winner in the semifinal, they beat France, which was difficult to beat. We will have the opportunity to analyze it, we already did it in March. They have changed something, but they are still a great team. We know how they play and we are prepared. We will play a game for people to enjoy.”
De Paul’s substitution
“It pains me to leave Rodrigo on the bench. I feel identified with him and with his way of playing. We do what the game needs. Paredes was a substitute in a previous World Cup, in the final he did not play. Di María was a substitute with me. The coach wants to get the best out of the team and luckily they understand it. Lautaro is the third or fourth time he has come on and he is the figure of the team. Without players we are not going anywhere. I am not a magician and we try to do the best possible with our players. mistakes and virtues. When the coach makes a decision, even if they don’t like it, they know that the team is ahead.”
Luis de la Fuente
“In addition to having been my teacher in the coaching course, I had a particular relationship with him. Coincidentally today we met in a final. I had a nice chat with him and we talked about things that have been useful to him and that he has carried out in his National Team in a brilliant way. On Sunday we are going to try to beat them. I have the utmost respect and I am going to congratulate him. It is going to be a nice football match and I hope the Spaniards are happy with so many joys that Leo Messi has brought to that country. There is no longer “there is no doubt that he is the best footballer in history.”
