Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni partially dampened the euphoria following Argentina’s historic 0-1 victory over Brazil at the Maracana by leaving the door open for his exit. As fans enjoyed one of the Albiceleste’s most famous triumphs over their eternal rivals, Scaloni made it clear he had doubts about remaining in charge.
The Argentine coach used the press conference after the South America qualifier to express his mood. “I want some time to think because this team needs a coach who has full energy,” said the coach who made Argentina world champions in Qatar in 2022 and Copa America champions in 2021.
The context in which Scaloni’s statement took place does not appear to be unfounded. It was after a particularly valuable success for the Argentine fans and in the last question of the press conference. It was a real bombshell, almost eclipsing the victory in the Maracana and even the previous incidents in the stands. And without adding further explanations or allowing new questions.
“Now it’s time to stop the ball and start thinking. I have a lot to think about at this time. “These players have given us a lot and I have to think,” said the coach, knowing that Argentina will not play an official game again until September next year.
“It’s not goodbye. I have to think because the bar is very high.”added Scaloni, pointing out that he is under increasing pressure, undoubtedly in connection with the historic defeat suffered by Argentina on Thursday against Uruguay in La Bombonera.
The victory this Tuesday over its traditional rival allowed Argentina to remain at the top of the 2026 World Cup qualification and plunge Brazil into a major crisis, which had never lost three games in a row in qualifying and had never played at home.