Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears after his country’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
While facing questions from the press, the man who guided his nation to World Cup victory in 2022 was unable to continue, overcome by the disappointment of failing to defend the title.
He also admitted questions would have to be asked over his future as national team coach.
Scaloni’s strange comments about his side’s manner of defeat
As he sat and faced questions after the game, the manager was overcome with emotion and said: “Bear with me, I don’t know if I can continue.”
He then stood up and added: “It’s really painful, I am very sorry” before leaving the room.
Perhaps Scaloni’s emotion had clouded his judgement because his opinion on how his side performed was very different to how other people felt Argentina had played in the match, and reacted after it.
Leandro Paredes was sent off after the full-time whistle, after he grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and threw Gavi to the floor, as he responded angrily to the loss. Enzo Fernandez also saw red for a ridiculous challenge.
“I’ll cherish the memory of my players, what they achieved and the effort it took to reach this stage,” Scaloni said.
“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. If the players leave everything on the pitch, as they did today, it sets a great example for our people and our country.”
Scaloni’s current contract as Argentina boss runs until December and he said that might be a good time for him to leave his role.
He continued: “I will talk to the president. I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will see out my contract. I don’t know if something big needs to be done. We need to speak this through.
“I am thankful to the president for bringing me this chance of being in this place where I am at the moment. It was a dream for everyone. We have tried up until the very last minute to give our best, the staff and players. I believe it’s only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through.”
