Tapia rules out other options: “My plan A, B and C is Scaloni” | OneFootball

The AFA president gave an exclusive interview in which he made it clear that he is not considering any alternatives for the Albiceleste bench and is confident of securing the coach’s continuity before December.

The leadership’s firm stance

Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia spoke in depth on TyC Sports about the future of the national team’s coaching staff after finishing as world runners-up. The president was categorical in revealing that he has no backup options in case the head coach decides to bring his eight-year spell in charge of the team to an end: “My plan A, B, and C is Scaloni,” he said bluntly.

Confidence in a renewal and a close relationship

The president of Argentine football’s governing body was optimistic about the talks to extend the deal that expires in December of this year. “I care a lot about Gringo. He went through tough times here,” Chiqui said, also stressing that he maintains a constant “back-and-forth relationship” with the coach from Pujato. Regarding the questions that arose after the defeat in the final against Spain, where the coach voiced his doubts with the phrase “I don’t know if I’ll be able to achieve anything greater than this,” Tapia was understanding and patient: “Everyone has their own timing to process things,” he said, adding: “We all want him to stay. The talks were very far along.”

The importance of keeping the historic project going

Taking stock of the process that began in 2018 as an interim appointment and led to the triumph in Qatar 2022, back-to-back Copa América titles, and the Finalissima, the executive highlighted the bond built with the fans in this period, when “people identified with a group” and “never before have the people had as much joy as with this national team.” Looking back on his tenure, he reflected: “Perhaps my greatest decision was choosing who would lead the national team and sticking with him.”

The next steps on the calendar

The coaching staff will lead the national team in the matches scheduled for this year’s FIFA international windows, set for September 21 to October 6—when three friendlies would be played—and from November 9 to 17 for two more matches. It is expected that during one of these training camps the key meeting between the president and the head coach will take place to formally determine the national team’s direction for the next cycle.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.