Scalloni reacts smartly to Ancelotti’s attack… and sets out his position on the ‘Messi family’ crisis.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni appeared at a press conference ahead of Monday’s next match against Austria, and as usual, the World Cup-winning coach was careful to downplay the controversy surrounding the comments made by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.

What about the rumors that haunt a family? Lionel MessiAnd the news of his father’s death. “We believe that togetherness is what helps overcome these situations. We realize that it’s always better to face these problems with a friend. I think he (Messi) feels the same way.”

Regarding the meeting in Austria, he continued. “The competitor is a stubborn competitor. They press well and play in a direct style. They are a team to be reckoned with. This tournament shows that there is no easy opponent. The group stage has always been difficult.”

He continued. “Also, water breaks theoretically give the weaker team a morale boost. It’s a bit incongruous with the four-county meeting. It seems a little unrealistic.”

As for the future course of the team at the World Cup, he clarified. “We watch all the matches we can and then we try to keep up with what’s going on, although it’s very difficult this time in the World Cup.”

Ancelotti recently said that Argentina do not play high level football, to which Scalloni replied: “I totally understood what he meant and he expressed it well. Now we started to think he said something bad, but not at all. It made us happy. He spoke a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese and Italian, so… that was more of a compliment than a criticism.”

About water breaks. “It’s a little weird at first. We’ll get used to it over time, but it’s still not normal for us. We are trying to analyze the situation and fix it. Meetings are held in different ways, all at the same time, because of this. I’m sure it will improve.”

He stressed about the style of play against Algeria. “For me, the first and second halves were the same. The opponent plays and pressures you. If he surprises you, you have to defend yourself. This is what happened and will continue. If you’re not ready, things will get complicated, and we know that. The important thing is that the team reacts, and this gives me comfort.”

As for wishing Messi on his birthday (24th of this month), he continued.

“We saw Spain in the gym and I’m not surprised by their win (against Saudi Arabia), I’m not surprised by their draw (against Cape Verde), because they didn’t deserve it. They showed that they are in good shape and are strong competitors.

“After Qatar, we had great matches. I think we kept a steady level and added Thiago Almada, who was not a starting player. He gives us what Angel Di Maria had to offer. We have players on the bench who can change the course of the game, like Giuliano for example, playing the right way. showed a constant desire to improve, and this is the best we’ve achieved.”