Cracks in relation to the association
World champion coach Lionel Scaloni has surprisingly questioned his future with the Argentine national team. “I have to think a lot about what I’m going to do,” said the 45-year-old on Tuesday (local time) after the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. He had to think, “because the bar is very high and it is difficult to continue,” Scaloni continued. It is difficult to continue winning. The national team needs a coach “who has every possible energy and feels comfortable”.
The former professional took over the position of national coach from Jorge Sampaoli after the 2018 World Cup. At that time, Argentina was eliminated in the World Cup round of 16. A year ago, Scaloni led superstar Lionel Messi’s team to the World Cup title in Qatar. A year earlier he had won the Copa America with the team. Scaloni was also named FIFA World Coach of the Year 2022. His contract with the Argentine association runs until after the 2026 World Cup.
Since 2010: All FIFA World Coaches of the Year
Scaloni and his team are in first place in World Cup qualification with five wins from six games. On Tuesday, his team handed record world champions Brazil their first ever home defeat in a World Cup qualification. It was the last international match of the year for Argentina. Scaloni now wants to use the rest phase. He emphasized that he then wanted to speak to association head Claudio Tapia and the players.
Scaloni’s words were a shock for the players, writes the broadcaster “TyC Sports“. A quick decision is not expected, but the officials of the Argentine association are confident that they can convince him to stay in office. It is precisely between these two sides that cracks in the relationship are said to have arisen, which can be attributed to various problems: the lengthy contract negotiations, aspects of everyday logistics, scheduling friendlies with rivals that did not bring much for the coach, as well as delays in the Payment of bonuses.
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