Lionel Scaloni happy after Argentina earn draw with Colombia
The interim head coach took over from Jorge Sampaoli following a disastrous World Cup campaign.
Interim coach Lionel Scaloni felt it was a case of mission accomplished following Argentina’s goalless draw in their friendly with Colombia.
After a new-look team beat Guatemala 3-0 in Scaloni’s first game in charge last week, Argentina produced another encouraging display in New Jersey on Tuesday night.
Scaloni, who took over from Jorge Sampaoli after Argentina’s disastrous World Cup campaign, believes the future is bright.
“I think we managed to do what we came to look for: that many kids see what it’s like to play with the Argentine shirt,” he said at his post-match press conference, quoted by Argentina’s Twitter account.
“Today they showed that several of them are good enough.
“The first half had the best moments and showed these guys are very useful.
“There are things to work on and improve. I’m calm and proud of the guys.
“We, as a technical team, understand that there is nothing above this shirt, no club in the world.”
Colombia are also rebuilding after Jose Pekerman stepped down following their penalty shootout defeat to England in Russia.
Arturo Reyes, placed in temporary charge for the games against Venezuela and Argentina, was also satisfied after his side added a draw to Friday’s victory.
“I think that in a high percentage we fulfilled the idea of these first games,” he told Portuguese radio station Antena 2.
“I think this change in terms of the players who have been entering these games has to be little by little. We have to be calm and very smart to give them the necessary minutes and to mature with the experienced players in the selection.
“The exercise was positive and I am satisfied with the number of players who could play.”