Lionel Scaloni spoke about Argentina national team, Copa America, the players, the fans and more issues. Here is what he said at the pre-match press conference ahead of world cup qualifier against Venezuela:
“I will not confirm the team line up yet because we did the first training session yesterday. We spoke with most of the players to see how they are physically. Not much will change from the team in last match, the Copa America final”
“There are 3 games in a few days and we have to manage our squad. We will also have to be attentive to the ones on yellow cards. In any case, we will always put together a team that we think is the best.”
“I want to emphasize the predisposition of our footballers to have the desire to be here. It is a step forward that this team has taken. Regarding the clubs, we have never had any refusal. We spoke and came to the conclusion that the players had to come here”
“Since I have been part of Argentina National Team, I have always seen the same hunger. If there is something that characterizes an Argentine player, it is the desire to be in the National Team”.
“Now a new challenge begins. All the teams will want to beat the champion. We need to gain points and have a good Qualifier.”
“It will be a mistake to think that the job is already done. All rivals are difficult, we must try to do things in the best way because the level of difficulty will be maximum.”
“Coming to the National Team is totally different from a club. We know that Lionel (Messi) is competing in a great club and that is the most important thing.”
“Being in the Copa tournament for so long helped us to make training secondary. Now we have to face a very difficult opponent. Venezuela has some high quality players.”
“We were able to give joy to the people who have needed it for so long. We are very grateful to them for so much support. Unfortunately we could not celebrate so much at the moment because of what we are going through (due to Covid-19)”
“I think the fans identify with this team because of how the players defend the shirt. The players always give their best, and I think that creates a mutual affection.”
“I have always felt the affection of the people. My way of being will not change by winning or not winning. My image remains the same.”
“We were champions a short time ago and now we have to catch up again. If we had not become champions we would also have to continue competing. This is a wheel and the only thing that matters is giving everything.”
ARG Soccer News 