Lionel Scaloni Reflects on Argentina’s Victory Against El Salvador and Looks Ahead to Copa América

Lionel Scaloni spoke after Argentina’s victory against El Salvador

Lionel Scaloni analyzed the 3-0 victory of the Argentine team against El Salvador in the first of the friendlies that the world champion will have in the United States and with his mind set on reaching the Copa América in the best way. The coach was consulted, among other topics, about Valentín Barco’s debut in the Major and the scoring drought in the Albiceleste that Lautaro Martínez is suffering.

“In these types of games we always look to give guys the opportunity to play who have not been playing often or to look for other variants. We are happy, beyond the result, how they approached the game, the intensity, in general I think it was a good game. The boys we wanted to see have fulfilled their promise and give us more options,” began the man born in Pujato.

Regarding Tuesday’s upcoming match against Costa Rica in Los Angeles, Scaloni expressed: “We have another game and we will do the same if it is possible. That’s what these games are for, to give these kids the opportunity. We will make some changes for the next one and then evaluate how the tour went.”

Regarding the appearance of Colo Barco, who entered at 55 minutes instead of Nicolás Tagliafico, the coach gave his opinion: “El Huevo (Acuña) did not come, who came with an injury, and we only have Tagliafico. It’s giving Nico a little rest, seeing him and giving him the opportunity to debut. We liked how he approached training and he has to correct many things logically due to his age. We believe that it is a position that requires a lot of assembly and work, especially at a defensive level. Today was not a defensive game and we were able to give him that opportunity. If it had been another game, with so little training, we would have thought about it more. But he is a boy who has things like him, a lot of potential and we have to exploit it.”

The Argentine National Team that defeated El Salvador in the United States (AP)

On the other hand, Scaloni referred to the situation of Lautaro Martínez, who is finding it difficult to convert with the National Team. “I don’t talk about whether he scores a goal or not, I talk about issues related to the game, to his team, to him, but I’m not worried because he puts her on his team. He’ll put it here. He played a good game, not only in terms of movements, but on a physical level he is fine. Logically, a striker wants to score goals and when he doesn’t score he doesn’t like it, but we are calm,” he insisted.

OTHER QUOTES FROM LIONEL SCALONI:

– The role of Nico González and Nehuen Pérez as full-backs: “Nehuén has played there because Nahuel Molina came with a slight sprained ankle and could not train the first day. Not having a specific role winger because the boys are getting injured, the ones who are normally with us: Montiel, Foyth, Maffeo. We gave Nehuén the opportunity because we know he can do it. It’s not his position, but he did it well. It is an option in case this match happens.”

“Nico has played there against Paraguay, we believe he can do it in a type of game like today, where you have to attack. It is clear that we will not always do it. These are tests that we are doing and we are fine. We took Nico off at half-time because he had played a good game. The same with Enzo (Fernández) who played a good game as well. “We want fresh guys.”

– The Copa América list: “If there are too many players, it is a nice problem for a coach to have. As I said yesterday at a press conference, three less players are going to the World Cup, the list is going to be a nice problem. We will think about the good of the team, about what is needed. Football is changing, between now and May or June many things can happen. “We don’t rule out anything.”

– The call for players for the Olympic Games: “I choose for the Copa América and Masche would choose for the Olympic Games as it should be. If the players give him, perfect. Ours is the mandatory transfer. His is an issue that is not an obligation and he will have to deal with the clubs. As the Senior National Team we will not oppose the summoning of players, we want you to bring the best and those you consider. It is a complex issue because there are many days away from the club.”

– What is the secret of the National Team?: “If I had it I would tell you. there is no secret. Yes, I am clear, I think that what any selection and team needs is time and assembly, for the players to know each other, to build a base. I hope they give the coach (from El Salvador) time to continue with his idea. He has a nice opportunity because there are more teams that can go to the World Cup. It is time to trust the process and that will pay off.”

2024-03-23 04:30:00
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