The coach of the Argentine National Team, Lionel Scaloni, assured that Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María are the only players confirmed for the Copa América, while he pointed out that the other players will have to fight to earn a place: “The rest, pick and shovel” , assured the coach, to make it clear that everyone is obliged to maintain their level to guarantee a place on the team.
Scaloni’s singular response came almost by chance, after a question that had to do with his consideration of Walter Benítez, the goalkeeper who debuted against Costa Rica, and his chances of being a replacement for Draw Martínez, since they passed through that place names like Franco Armani, Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli or Paulo Gazzaniga, without any of them being able to consolidate themselves. And in that question, the coach came out with the title that was not expected.
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“It is a possibility (Benítez as second goalkeeper in the Copa América), in the world of football nothing is known. Today he is here, he surely had his great chance because it is evident that he has come with us, but I cannot guarantee anyone of those who have come here. Only the one who did not come, who already know. The rest, pick and shovel. Well, Fideo too, he has it guaranteed,” said Scaloni, confirming that both references will be in the contest , while the remaining players will be chosen based on what they are doing between now and June.
The coach was encouraged to take stock of what the team showed in the two games in the United States, a 3-0 against El Salvador and a 3-1 against Costa Rica. “We are satisfied with the tour, with how the games went. In the end we saw that there is no easy opponent and that everyone makes things difficult. In the second game it has helped us a lot, I saw a very mature team because we found ourselves in difficulty, with the game down, and the team in the second half played a very good 25 minutes. I am happy about that, we are going to find many games like that and it helps us,” remarked Scaloni, who also appreciated what the young players did. in his first experiences in the Albiceleste.
“I am happy for Walter (Benítez). He played a good game, the truth is that the game was not easy and we are happy. The same as (Alejandro) Garnacho and (Valentín) Carboni. They are guys who can contribute to us and it will be seen in a future if they will be with us. But I am happy, it is not easy to play with this shirt or with these rivals who make it difficult for you. We are fine,” said the coach, who noted that the variants he has in the middle of the basketball court. “The team always had many good midfielders. On this tour Exequiel (Palacios) did not come, Guido (Rodríguez) was also out and Thiago (Almada) is in the Under 23. We are well covered and, if someone’s performance drops, there is another one to play,” said Scaloni.
