The coach spoke in advance of tomorrow’s friendly, prior to the Copa América, in which Messi will add minutes.
Lionel Scaloni spoke tonight at a press conference before this Sunday’s friendly Argentine National Team against Ecuador, the first for the debut of the America Cupwhich will be against Canada on Thursday, June 20.
The Albiceleste coach did not confirm the starting eleven, but it is a fact that there will be some variations and he confirmed that Lionel Messi will have minutes, although he would not be a starter: “I don’t have the team confirmed because I have to evaluate the changes. We ask to be able to do more than six and it is not possible. Based on that we will decide the team, Leo will play and people will be able to see him. I don’t know if 30 minutes or 60. But we want them to arrive with filming“.
Next and in reference to the variants that are coming, he added: “We are not worried about the changes because when we made them we maintained the level. We are not going to risk anyone“.
Scaloni and the cutting of players before the Copa América
In relation to the upcoming cut of three players to reach the final list of 26, he explained. “We knew that this week Germán (Pezzella) was not going to be able to train. He will start from Monday, but we need to see how he is. Guido (Rodríguez) can start tomorrow and based on that we will decide“.
Then he referred to the level of several footballers who play in the country, without giving specific names: “There are many very good players who can give us a hand, but it is very difficult to change if the players who are there now do not give us reasons to do so. The team is doing well now and the call does not depend on the league in which they play.“.
How the Argentine National Team arrives at the Copa América according to Scaloni
In relation to the continental tournament and Sunday’s test with Ecuador, the coach stated: “We are expectant, with clear ideas. And being positive because We have a good team that competes in every game. Football will later tell what we are for. The Copa América is always very difficult. Because the South American teams don’t give you anything. Ecuador is a very good rival and can do great things, it’s a good test. Beyond the fact that we will both use the game to add minutes to some players“.
“It’s not that the world champion is played differently, it’s something that historically happened with Argentina. But we seek to enhance what we do well and take precautions against the rival. We have no problem saying it, if the National Team has to put on the overalls, they will put it on.“, he concluded.
“There are other positions where there are important fights. But the number 9 always attracts attention. In the National Team we have many positions like this: Tagliafico – Acuña, Montiel – Molina, Enzo – Lo Celso, De Paul – Palacios, Paredes – Mac Allister. But they only focus on one, it is what it is. The important thing is that they are both fine, they are different and we are happy. They both had a good season, but we will decide who starts playing“, he stated.
Scaloni and the moment of Garnacho in the Argentine National Team
Asked about the Manchester United player, he explained: “He hasn’t had much time with us and it’s true that in the minutes he had he couldn’t show everything he really knows. But we have to give him minutes to meet his colleagues, both him and Valentín Carboni, who are two boys who excite us a lot.“
“It is reality, but we cannot burden them with many expectations right now. They are going to give us a lot. The important thing is that they know what we want, they understand the pace at which the game is played and that sometimes a break is good.“.
Scaloni’s press conference in the Argentine National Team
Scaloni’s conference completes before the match between the Argentine National Team and Ecuador, in the preview of the Copa América.
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