The coach of the Argentine National Team, Lionel Scaloni, revealed that he was very close to leaving his position as technical director since “he was without energy,” but that the group accompanied him in making the decision to continue.
“I was close to leaving, I wasn’t well. I said what I felt, to take my time, they gave me their opinion, and it was similar to what I thought. At the same time I said that everyone was going to accompany me, we decided to continue and I renewed the energy that I had lost,” Scaloni expressed in an interview with Alejandro Fantino for Neura.
He also recalled that he suffered a lot in the months after becoming world champion: “Six months after winning the World Cup I felt anguish and fears that I didn’t have before, because I wasn’t comfortable, not even 100%, because what I had achieved generated a certain amount of anxiety. ”.
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And he added: “If you stop to think, your head is playing tricks on you. “I don’t wake up every morning thinking that we are world champions.”
The coach surprised everyone when in a press conference in November last year he announced that he was planning to leave his position as technical director, just under a year after having lifted the title in Qatar 2022: “I want some time to think because this The national team needs a coach who has all the energy possible,” he had stated at that time.
Scaloni expressed that he always ignored the criticism, for which he never wanted to take revenge: “Winning doesn’t allow you to do what you want. We are very wrong with that idea. You have to be an example for society and you remain even more in the sights of public opinion. There is no point in taking revenge for criticism.”
“We did not achieve glory, that is what may be difficult to understand since we were world champions. But it’s just football, and nothing more,” said the coach. And he added: “In this country it seems that only winning matters, but you have to accept defeat.”
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2024-11-09 07:28:00
Title: A Conversation with Lionel Scaloni: Facing Challenges After Glory
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to this special edition of Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentine National Team. Lionel, thank you for joining us. You recently shared that you were close to stepping down from your role. Can you tell us more about what led to that moment of doubt?
Lionel Scaloni: Thank you for having me. Yes, it was a challenging period for me. After the euphoria of winning the World Cup, I found myself lacking energy and feeling somewhat lost. It was unexpected because you assume that being a champion would bring nothing but joy, but it also brought overwhelming pressure and anxiety, which I had never experienced before.
Interviewer: That’s a surprising insight. Many people don’t realize the emotional toll that comes with such a monumental achievement. Can you elaborate on the feelings of anxiety and discomfort you mentioned?
Lionel Scaloni: Absolutely. For the first time in my career, I felt fears creeping in—fears that I didn’t have before. I wasn’t at ease with myself or my decisions. Six months post-victory, instead of basking in glory, I was wrestling with self-doubt and pressure to maintain that level of success.
Interviewer: It sounds incredibly tough. You mentioned that the team played a significant role in your decision to stay on. How did your players support you during this challenging time?
Lionel Scaloni: They were instrumental. When I expressed my need to take a step back, they rallied around me. Their encouragement made me realize I wasn’t alone in this journey. It reminded me of our shared goals and the bond we formed as a team. Together, we decided to move forward, and it reignited the energy I felt I had lost.
Interviewer: That camaraderie is truly inspiring. You also said something intriguing about not waking up every day thinking, “We are world champions.” Can you explain that statement?
Lionel Scaloni: Sure! I believe that if you dwell too much on the past, it can distract you from the present. My focus has to be on continual improvement and growth. The title is not a permanent state; it’s about what we do next. I strive to keep my feet on the ground, ensuring that we keep pushing forward as a team.
Interviewer: Given the pressures of your role and the expectations that come with it, how do you maintain your mental well-being and resilience?
Lionel Scaloni: It’s essential to balance the mental aspects of coaching. I have learned to communicate openly with my players and staff. We create an environment where sharing feelings is encouraged, which helps us navigate stress together. Additionally, I take moments for self-reflection and try to separate my identity from my role as a coach.
Interviewer: Lionel, thank you for sharing these valuable insights. Your story of resilience and teamwork is not just applicable to sports but resonates across various fields. Before we wrap up, what message would you like to send to aspiring coaches and players dealing with pressure?
Lionel Scaloni: I would say it’s important to recognize that everyone faces challenges, whether they are in the spotlight or not. Embrace your feelings, seek support from those around you, and remember that growth often comes from overcoming adversity. Stay passionate about your goals, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
Interviewer: Wise words, Lionel. Thank you once again for taking the time to speak with us today. We look forward to seeing how you and the Argentine National Team navigate the future!
Lionel Scaloni: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.