The FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar is only a few months away. We are all set for the biggest football tournament, which will start on 21st November and wrap up with the final on 18th December. The Major Leagues are getting underway in Europe and the coaches are keeping a close eye on their players. One such coach is Lionel Scaloni. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni spoke about the World Cup 2022 at La Selecta podcast in Argentina.
Lionel Scaloni took over a messed-up Argentina side four years ago after the Russia World Cup. He has turned the team into one of the World Cup favorites since then. Argentina snapped their 28-year trophy drought to win the Copa America 2021 by beating Brazil under Scaloni. Moreover, the Albiceleste are on a magnificent 33-match unbeaten run under the coach.
About the World Cup 2022:
Scaloni believes that it is not the time yet to think wholly about the upcoming World Cup. Without thinking too much ahead of time, he wants to focus more on his players and choose the best options.
“It doesn’t make much sense to continuously think about the World Cup,” said Scaloni. “There’s a long way to go. You have to stay in line, to think of the players who are there and those who can fight for a place. Because any unforeseen event can change your planning.”
As the groups are already drawn, we know that Argentina will play in Group C in the World Cup 2022, against Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland. Lionel Scaloni acknowledges that they have been watching and analyzing the opponents. But it’s still more than three months to go, and many things can change amid the ongoing European Leagues.
Scaloni spoke at La Selecta Podcast, “Logically, we have already marked the opponents, we know who they are, we are watching them, analyzing but you cannot spend three months continuously looking at them either because there are many games left and everything can still change. You have to keep your feet on the ground. It’s the most important thing.”
About Playing Well:
Lionel Scaloni wants his players to focus more on playing the game well. He believes that playing well will eventually bring victory. It is important to move well, keep the ball and pass it well. Making fewer mistakes in a match is also a big part of playing well. We saw how Argentina dominated Italy in the Finalissima in June to win the game by 3-0 goals.
“I don’t just want to win but I want to do it playing well. Any coach today will tell you that,” said Lionel Scaloni. “I am convinced that if you try to play well and you do, in the end, you will win.”
