World champion coach Scaloni is thinking about retiring: “It’s difficult”

Lionel Scaloni is thinking about resigning. © APA/afp / CARL DE SOUZA

Lionel Scaloni led Argentina to the World Cup title. Even after the World Cup in Qatar, things are going well for the coach and his team. But Scaloni is apparently thinking about resigning.

23. November 2023

From: cst/dpa

World champion coach Lionel Scaloni has surprisingly questioned his future with the Argentine national football team. “I have to think a lot about what I’m going to do,” said the 45-year-old after the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. He had to think, “because the bar is very high and it is difficult to continue,” Scaloni continued. It is difficult to continue winning. The national team needs a coach “who has every possible energy and feels comfortable”.

The former professional took over the position of national coach from Jorge Sampaoli after the 2018 World Cup. At that time, Argentina was eliminated in the World Cup round of 16. A year ago, Scaloni led superstar Lionel Messi’s team to the World Cup title in Qatar. A year earlier he had won the Copa America with the team. He was also named FIFA World Coach of the Year 2022. His contract with the Argentine association runs until after the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel with the World Cup trophy twice: coach Scaloni and superstar Messi. © APA/afp / LUIS ROBAYO

Scaloni and his team are in first place in World Cup qualification with five wins from six games. On Tuesday, his team handed record world champions Brazil their first ever home defeat in a World Cup qualification. It was the last international match of the year for Argentina. Scaloni now wants to use the rest phase. He then wanted to speak to association boss Claudio Tapia and the players.