VETERAN ARGENTINA MIDFIELDER Javier Mascherano insists relations between the players and coach Jorge Sampaoli are not strained after reports of unrest within the team camp.
Sampaoli was roundly criticised for his game plan following a 3-0 loss to Croatia in Argentina’s second group game at the World Cup, sparking rumours the 58-year-old would be sacked during the tournament.
“The relationship with the coach is completely normal,” Mascherano said ahead of the must-win match against Nigeria in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday.
Advertisement
“Obviously, when we feel uncomfortable about something we speak with him because if we didn’t we would be hypocrites.”
Argentina were on the brink of elimination after the Croatia mauling but victory against Nigeria would send them through as runners-up in Group D if leaders Croatia avoid defeat against Iceland.
“We know the situation is tricky,” Mascherano said. “We have to be united, to express our opinions, and do everything possible so the team goes into the game in the best position.”
Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia has given his backing to Sampaoli after holding a meeting with the embattled coach on Friday, a team source revealed.
Franco Armani is tipped to replace Willy Caballero for the Nigeria clash after the Chelsea goalkeeper’s blunder against Croatia, with Sampaoli also expected to ditch his three-man defence and return to a traditional back four.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
4 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
'The relationship with the coach is completely normal'
VETERAN ARGENTINA MIDFIELDER Javier Mascherano insists relations between the players and coach Jorge Sampaoli are not strained after reports of unrest within the team camp.
Sampaoli was roundly criticised for his game plan following a 3-0 loss to Croatia in Argentina’s second group game at the World Cup, sparking rumours the 58-year-old would be sacked during the tournament.
“The relationship with the coach is completely normal,” Mascherano said ahead of the must-win match against Nigeria in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday.
“Obviously, when we feel uncomfortable about something we speak with him because if we didn’t we would be hypocrites.”
Argentina were on the brink of elimination after the Croatia mauling but victory against Nigeria would send them through as runners-up in Group D if leaders Croatia avoid defeat against Iceland.
“We know the situation is tricky,” Mascherano said. “We have to be united, to express our opinions, and do everything possible so the team goes into the game in the best position.”
Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia has given his backing to Sampaoli after holding a meeting with the embattled coach on Friday, a team source revealed.
Franco Armani is tipped to replace Willy Caballero for the Nigeria clash after the Chelsea goalkeeper’s blunder against Croatia, with Sampaoli also expected to ditch his three-man defence and return to a traditional back four.
- © AFP 2018
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Swiss pair could be set for bans following controversial goal celebrations>
‘He said in football there were 2 types of people – those who pay bribes and those who accept them’>
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Claudio Tapia Franco Armani Javier Mascherano Jorge Sampaoli nothing untoward Argentina Nigeria Willy Caballero World Cup 2018