On October 1 at 8:00 AM Beijing time (CEST), Argentina will host Bolivia in a friendly match. On the eve of the match, Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni held a press conference. This is the first part of the press conference.

Hello Lionel. Since I'm asking the first question, you certainly know what I'm getting at: your contract extension. Although you said a few days ago you would announce it if there was news, the football association published a photo a few days ago showing that at least you've begun personal talks. I want to ask if there has been progress in this regard? If not, what is still missing? And regarding tomorrow's match, can you confirm the starting lineup in advance this time? Sorry, the microphone volume is a bit low...

The microphone volume is indeed too low. As for the contract, we hadn't discussed much before, but this time we talked for a while to see if we can move forward and reach an agreement. Both sides are very willing, and we've just started talking. To be honest, we'll try to get back in touch in the next few days. For now, we still have a match ahead of us, and ultimately it's about reaching an agreement. The most important thing is that both sides have good intentions. I repeat: if there is anything to announce, we will announce it. What matters is that everyone continues to want to work together.

As for the starting lineup, I generally have it in mind; it's already decided. The problem is, if the press conference were after training, I would tell you directly. No, seriously, this time it really is decided, but we're about to train, and the players don't know yet. They will definitely know after training.

Hello, can you give us a hint? At least in the few minutes of open training, we saw Nico Paz and Alejandro Garnacho. Is there a possibility they could play together? Have you already decided who will wear the number 10 for the Argentine national team? Is it absolutely necessary to have a number 10 in these two matches while Messi is away?

Whether they can play together... In principle, only one of them will start first. I think that's a good hint for you, right? But they can indeed play together; we've actually tried it in training. We're not lacking ideas, and we will definitely try it at some point.

Your other question was about who wears the number 10? No, as far as we're concerned, there's no obligation to give the number 10 to anyone in these matches. So we won't give anyone the number 10 shirt until the match when Leo returns. After that, we'll see which match we start giving it to someone. Fortunately, the numbers in World Cup qualifiers are not fixed, but our idea is that ultimately one person will take it, since wearing the number 10 is an incredibly special thing. We haven't made a decision yet.

Good afternoon Lionel. Sorry, I still want to return to the subject of contract extension. What are the key considerations weighing on your personal decision?

I said after the World Cup final that I needed to think carefully. It's clear that after such a moment, emotions are often very complex, so I had to calm down, observe, and re-analyze the sporting aspects. The competitive aspect is crucial, because ultimately competition is fundamental. Of course, the financial aspect cannot be ignored, but the competitive aspect is at the center of the analysis: what we still have and what lies ahead for us.

To be honest, we are full of anticipation and hope for it. That's the most important thing, and it's what drives me to sit down and try to reach an agreement. Conversely, to be frank, if I didn't see the possibility of continuing, or couldn't put together a team that's as good as before, I wouldn't even begin the negotiation process. That's the truth of the matter.

Hello Lionel. Inevitably, people are beginning to think about the Argentine national team without Messi. He has announced his retirement, and you won't have him in these next two matches, and perhaps not in this coming cycle either. Do you feel the national team needs to restructure in any way due to his absence? Or do you believe that the foundations and groundwork you've already laid are sufficient to maintain the same level of performance without the number 10?

Undoubtedly, when he's not on the field... every team in the world with a player of his caliber—he's irreplaceable, and so are we. But fortunately, the team has responded positively in the matches where he's been absent. Fortunately, we have a group of young players who can step in and make their contribution, and we'll also explore different playing styles. Why not?

These matches serve to test and try different approaches: two strikers, three strikers, three center backs—all kinds of experiments can gather experience for the future. That's what we'll do, while never forgetting that our football is based on ball possession and assembling good players. I don't think that will change, at least as long as we're coaching here—that's our identity. Based on that, I'll then see how I can adjust specifically.

Hello Lionel. I wanted to ask about the contract extension. If it's ultimately completed, will Walter Samuel continue to be part of your coaching staff? Because there's been a lot of discussion about that. Have you spoken to him? Has he made a decision?

"Big Head" showed us last year what he means to this national team. At that time, he received an offer from Inter Milan to work with Cristian Chivu, but he showed great generosity by deciding to stay with us until the end of the World Cup, which says a lot about his character. He's undoubtedly not only incredibly important in his work but also a good friend of mine, and I only wish him the best. If he, like any member of the coaching staff, wants to make a particular decision at some point, that's his right.

Currently, I have no new information. The door is certainly always open to him. When he told me last year that he would stay until the World Cup, it was clear that after the World Cup he could make other decisions, so there's no issue with that at all. Of course, if he left, it would be a very significant loss for us, and we'll see what happens. But first and foremost, he's my friend, and I always only wish him the best.

Übersetzt von KI.

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