Kolkata: New Argentine coach Alejandro Sabella, who arrived here this morning sans Lionel Messi, said he was determined to start off on a winning note when he makes his debut against Venezuela in their international friendly at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on September 2.
Sabella, who landed around 8.20am along with goalkeeper Estaban Andrada and 15 other officials, following an arduous 39-hour journey from Buenos Aires, said not only Argentina but the whole world expects to see the Messi magic.
"Messi is not only an Argentine star, but the whole world expects him to do well. As a coach, I would like all of them to do well and win against Venezuela," Sabella said at the team hotel.
Sabella, who rescinded a contract to coach United Arab Emirates side Al-Jazira to take the Argentina post, said the match assumes much significance to him.
"It's my first match as an Argentina coach and means a lot to me. We are very excited to do well here. We are looking forward to September 2," Sabella, who speaks English unlike most in the Argentine squad, said.
The Messi-led Argentina side will play two international friendlies in the sub-continent, against Venezuela, and another versus Nigeria, in Dhaka on September 6.
Comments
0 comment