Scaloni explains Di María’s first departure: “Not everyone can handle the pressure” | Abola.pt | Abola.pt

The coach of Argentina did not bring ‘El Fideo’ to private matches so that Nico González would not grow up «under the shadow» of the Benfica striker

After Copa América 2019, Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine coach, did not count on him Angel Say Mariasomething the player left at the time Benficato play for him Paris Saint-Germain, uncomfortable.

Now, after five years and the victory of two Copa Américas and a A tree the World, all with Scaloni at the helm and Say Maria as a decisive figure – he scored in every competition and in two of the three finals – the Argentine coach explained why, at the time, he did not count on him he is Video. “There was a time when the team only played private games and did not compete for important things. When we don’t play for points, we can let them Say Maria outside the call. he isand he is a very big character, but we brought in a boy who we thought was good to play, we chose him, knowing that he would come back. We had to, just in case Nico Gonzalezthat he will develop his maximum potential”, he began by explaining, referring to the player who is now at the Juventuscolleague of Francisco Conceição.

Scaloni continues with the explanation: « Shadow of Lionel Messi or Say Maria It’s not easy, not everyone can handle the pressure. So we chose to give Nico that time to develop, so he could play games and give us what we thought he would give us. As soon as he felt part of the group, things were different. ”

Nico Gonzalezwinger, has been an Argentina international 41 times. Say Mariathen, he played for the Albiceleste 145 times. A player is Benficawho has already said goodbye to the national team, just behind Lionel Messi (187) and Javier Mascherano (147) on the list of the most captained players for the World Championship.