Interim Argentina coach Sergio Batista has outlined his plan to down Japan when the two teams face each other on Friday, and asserted that Lionel Messi will become the lynchpin of any side that 'El Checho' puts out for the Albiceleste.
Batista is in Japan preparing for an interesting friendly against a Japanese side which is largely an unknown quantity in Argentina. And speaking today to Ole the coach revealed that Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi will take on an even bigger role than previously, befitting his status as the world's premier footballer.
"We have the best player in the world and we have to take advantage of it. This doesn't mean that we should pressure as if he was a saviour. He needs to be part of a team which knows they have the best next to them and which knows how to get the best out of him", 'El Checho' argued.
"We have to surround him, and have [Andres] D'Alessandro, [Ever] Banega, [Fernando] Gago and the forwards accompanying his play. I want the ball arriving to Leo's feet and not that he has to search for it. He must be finishing off our attacks."
From one creative playmaker to another, Batista switched first to his flourishing prodigy at enganche Javier Pastore, before opening the door for Juan Roman Riquelme in the same position.
"[Pastore] is a number 10 and a second striker, who plays fantastically. He has a great future and fits into our playing style... Roman knows very well that I like him a lot, he fits into the system. I want the whole team to play as he does", the coach eulogised about the two number 10s, seeing a future for both despite the 11 years which separates them in age.
Away from the test against the Asians on Friday, Batista also speculated on his future in the Argentina set-up. He is the overwhelming favourite to continue in charge after the 4-1 destruction of Spain in last month's friendly; but speaking yesterday urged caution and patience until a final decision is made.
"I dream of staying at the helm, that is what I am working towards. The players' support is perhaps very important for the final decision. However, there are other candidates in the directors' minds and I don't know what could happen", the modest former under-20s tecnico admitted.
And 'El Checho' finished by referring to recent barbs fired in the press by predecessor Diego Maradona, who among other things asserted that "they don't know who Batista is even in Uruguay". Showing once more his more reserved style, the coach refused to respond to the comments.
"I will not say anything about this issue, it will not do me any good," the trainer stated unequivocally, before shrugging while recognising taking the slurs and insults was "part of the game."
Batista is in Japan preparing for an interesting friendly against a Japanese side which is largely an unknown quantity in Argentina. And speaking today to Ole the coach revealed that Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi will take on an even bigger role than previously, befitting his status as the world's premier footballer.
"We have the best player in the world and we have to take advantage of it. This doesn't mean that we should pressure as if he was a saviour. He needs to be part of a team which knows they have the best next to them and which knows how to get the best out of him", 'El Checho' argued.
"We have to surround him, and have [Andres] D'Alessandro, [Ever] Banega, [Fernando] Gago and the forwards accompanying his play. I want the ball arriving to Leo's feet and not that he has to search for it. He must be finishing off our attacks."
From one creative playmaker to another, Batista switched first to his flourishing prodigy at enganche Javier Pastore, before opening the door for Juan Roman Riquelme in the same position.
"[Pastore] is a number 10 and a second striker, who plays fantastically. He has a great future and fits into our playing style... Roman knows very well that I like him a lot, he fits into the system. I want the whole team to play as he does", the coach eulogised about the two number 10s, seeing a future for both despite the 11 years which separates them in age.
Away from the test against the Asians on Friday, Batista also speculated on his future in the Argentina set-up. He is the overwhelming favourite to continue in charge after the 4-1 destruction of Spain in last month's friendly; but speaking yesterday urged caution and patience until a final decision is made.
"I dream of staying at the helm, that is what I am working towards. The players' support is perhaps very important for the final decision. However, there are other candidates in the directors' minds and I don't know what could happen", the modest former under-20s tecnico admitted.
And 'El Checho' finished by referring to recent barbs fired in the press by predecessor Diego Maradona, who among other things asserted that "they don't know who Batista is even in Uruguay". Showing once more his more reserved style, the coach refused to respond to the comments.
"I will not say anything about this issue, it will not do me any good," the trainer stated unequivocally, before shrugging while recognising taking the slurs and insults was "part of the game."
Argentina Coach Sergio Batista Wants To See Lionel Messi In The Thick Of The Action
![Argentina Coach Sergio Batista Wants To See Lionel Messi In The Thick Of The Action]()
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