Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has left his future as the head coach of the national team hanging by a thread. Scaloni, who joined as the head coach in 2018, is one of the most successful coaches in Argentine history. However, it appears as if Scaloni is in two minds about continuing as the head coach, and it’s not for any sporting reasons.
Following Argentina’s historic win against Brazil a couple of days ago, Lionel Scaloni dropped a bombshell. Scaloni stated that he is considering resigning as the Argentina national team’s head coach. He said, “Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is well. I need to stop the ball and start thinking. I have a lot of things to think about during this time.“
🚨 Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni: “I need to think about what I am going to do. The national team needs a coach who has all the energy. The bar is high. I’m going to think about what I am going to do.” 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/SUdzTVuRd1
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 22, 2023
While the sheer timing of Scaloni’s statements has left Argentine fans in shock, there are reports which explain the reason behind the Argentine coach’s decision. It is reported that Scaloni has been at odds with Argentina FA’s president Chiqui Tapia for quite some time. It’s also suggested that Scaloni feels that he is being treated as an “interim coach” by the AFA and Tapia.
🗣️🚨 @leoparadizo: “Lionel Scaloni feels that AFA continues to treat him like an INTERIM coach and felt that they wanted to politize him.” pic.twitter.com/tks6Vpqrem
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) November 22, 2023
Moreover, according to journalist Gustavo Grabia, Scaloni and his players refused to take a picture with an Argentine politician Sergio Massa despite Tapia’s insistence. Lastly, Scaloni hasn’t yet received his bonus for winning the 2022 World Cup. He only recently received the bonus for winning the Copa America 2021. Currently, as per journalist Leo Paradizo, the relationship between Scaloni and Tapia is completely broken.
Argentina midfielder begs Lionel Scaloni to change his mind
Meanwhile, Argentina midfielder Leandro Parades has spoken about Lionel Scaloni’s situation. In an interview after the match against Brazil, Parades begged Scaloni to reconsider his decision and change his mind. He said, “We didn’t talk to Scaloni. We are aware he’s the head of the group, let’s hope he stays there.” While Parades did acknowledge that Scaloni might have his reasons, he hopes that their coach continues at the national team.
Over the last five years, Lionel Scaloni has developed a great deal of camaraderie with the Argentine players. The 2022 World Cup winners are even often recognized as ‘La Scaloneta’, a moniker made in tribute to the 45-year-old coach. Moreover, the former Deportivo La Coruna player has managed to turn Argentina’s fortunes around.
Before Scaloni, Argentina had a disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign and was plagued with internal conflicts. However, since he took over, Scaloni has led Argentina to the Copa America, Finalissima, and the World Cup title. He has won 48 matches and has lost just six out of the 66 matches he has been in charge of the national team. Currently, Scaloni is under contract to be Argentina’s head coach until 2026.