On June 28th, FIFA World Cup group stage round 3: Jordan 1-3 Argentina. After the match, Argentina's head coach Scaloni attended the press conference.
Below is the second part of the press conference.
You look a bit tired, probably because you need to lead this team to achieve the highest goals. Do you feel anxious?
Scaloni: Anxious? I don't know, not really. It's always the same state. As I said, it's like the first day. You feel something in every match, whether it's a friendly, a match without points, a final, or any game, there's always a feeling in your heart. We, the coaching staff, always say that there's no such thing as an easy game; it's not easy because we ourselves make it not easy, it's an internal feeling. If one day I no longer have this feeling, then that's when there's a problem. I think this is something everyone of us has inside.
Does everyone in the team really want to see Lo Celso play?
Scaloni: I would be lying if I said he wasn't one of my favorite players. He's been with us from day one and is a fantastic person. He missed the last FIFA World Cup, which was a cruel situation, and we've been waiting for him to get another chance. We're happy for him, not just because of his performance, but also because of who he is as a person.
Even though he didn't participate in the Qatar FIFA World Cup, he was always with us, and that attitude won't be forgotten. To be able to give him a chance today, and for him to play well and score a goal, makes everything even more perfect. So we are very happy, and he has also contributed to the team.
Are you surprised that Cape Verde is second in the group? What do you think of this team you've seen?
Scaloni: From what I've seen, it doesn't surprise me. They are a very good team, and they make it very difficult for all opponents. I watched their game against Spain live on TV; I watched the first half of their game against Uruguay, I can't remember what I was doing in the second half – maybe training or traveling. But they are a very tough team to beat. It wouldn't be true for me to say they are not strong, because they really are. They have already given Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia a hard time, and these are facts. And in this FIFA World Cup environment, you have to be even more careful.
This is a fast, technically good, and well-organized team. Perhaps many people underestimate them, but I can guarantee that they are a very difficult opponent and will cause us problems.
Messi came on from the bench, which is not common. When he comes on, do you think: "What should I tell him?" After all, he already understands everything on the field. He initially played as a number 9 today, and then moved back behind Alvarez. Would you give Messi any instructions?
Scaloni: No, I just tell him "go win the game" (laughs). No, what else can I tell him? Are you really asking me this question? He's the only one who doesn't need any instructions at all. Seriously, you're asking me if I should tell him "run this way" or "handle that ball like this"? That's ridiculous.
No, it's not necessary. He has watched the game for 55 minutes and clearly understands what's happening on the field. Of course, sometimes we discuss things like substitutions or adjusting some details to make the team perform better, but teaching him how to play football? Absolutely not needed, zero.
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