Scaloni in tears over future after World Cup final defeat
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears at his post-match press conference after losing the World Cup final to Spain, saying he needs time to think about his future.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni became emotional and left his press conference in tears after his team's World Cup final loss to Spain on Sunday. The 48-year-old was aiming to become only the second manager in history to retain the trophy, having led Argentina to victory in Qatar in 2022. However, European champions Spain proved too strong, with Ferran Torres scoring in extra time to secure the win for Luis de la Fuente's side.
Scaloni's contract expires in December, and he was visibly overwhelmed when asked about his future. "I will talk to the president," he said. "I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will see out my contract and I feel the need, I don't know if something as big can be done. We need to speak this through." He added: "I am thankful to the president for bringing me this chance of being in this place where I am at the moment. It was a dream place for everyone. We have tried up until the very last minute to give our utmost, the staff and players. I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through."
Speaking through tears, Scaloni said: "Bear with me, I don't know if I can continue. This place is wonderful, it is a dream place. We would never have imagined, including my staff, that we would be in this place. In order to continue you need a great deal of things, especially resetting your mind, rebooting, creating a group like this again. That is very difficult to create again."
He eventually stood up, apologised, and left the room. "It's really painful, I am very sorry," he said.
