Scaloni reflects on De Paul's benching: 'How can it not hurt me?'

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was visibly moved after his team secured a spot in the World Cup final by defeating England. In the post-match press conference, Scaloni spoke about the challenges of managing the squad and making difficult decisions, such as excluding Rodrigo de Paul from the starting lineup.

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How can it not hurt me to leave Rodrigo on the bench? It hurts because, besides being a kid who has given us so much, I identify a lot with him, with his way of playing.

"How can it not hurt me to leave Rodrigo on the bench?" Scaloni asked, his voice tinged with emotion. "It hurts because, besides being a kid who has given us so much, I identify a lot with him, with his way of playing."

Scaloni clarified that such choices are driven by the specific tactical requirements of each match, rather than personal considerations. "We do what we believe the game needs. And we can be wrong. I've always said it, maybe we make mistakes. But this idea that they thought I didn't play or substituted players because they had given us something, that doesn't exist," he stated, refuting any notion of favoritism.

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We do what we believe the game needs. And we can be wrong. I've always said it, maybe we make mistakes. But this idea that they thought I didn't play or substituted players because they had given us something, that doesn't exist.

The coach highlighted the team's strong squad depth, noting that even prominent players accept being benched when tactical adjustments demand it. He cited previous instances involving players like Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi, and Ángel Di María. Scaloni particularly commended the performance of substitutes, emphasizing their crucial role in overcoming England. "If you don't have what's on the bench, no matter how much of a magician you are, you do nothing. Lautaro Martínez, I don't know, it's the third or fourth time he's been a key player for the team, he scores goals, he doesn't give up a lost ball, Rodrigo came in well, the horse also came in well, Nico González came in well," he said.

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If you don't have what's on the bench, no matter how much of a magician you are, you do nothing.

Looking ahead to the final against Spain, Scaloni acknowledged his personal relationship with Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente, who was his instructor in a coaching course. "He is a great team and has done brilliant work with his national team," Scaloni said. Despite the mutual respect, he affirmed Argentina's determination to win: "I live in Spain, I have a Spanish family, but on Sunday, I'm sorry, we are going to try to beat them."

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He is a great team and has done brilliant work with his national team. I live in Spain, I have a Spanish family, but on Sunday, I'm sorry, we are going to try to beat them.