Thaindian News

Kolkata, Aug 31 (IANS) Argentina’s new chief soccer coach Alejandro Sabella Wednesday said it was a great feeling to get the key job but it also has bestowed upon him a lot of responsibility and he would strive hard to establish a good rapport with superstars like Lionel Messi.

“I have two different feelings in this position. It is one of the best positions and I do feel great. It is my dream come true to be a coach of the national side,” 53-year-old Sabella said at a media meet here.

“At the same time, it is a great responsibility for me as everybody in Argentina is impatient…they not only want to win tomorrow but yesterday also.”

The 56-year-old Sabella, who has replaced Gabriel Batista as coach of the Argentine national team, said he has to work hard to deliver.

“I must work hard, I have to work hard behind every player. It is our dream to win the World Cup. We will try to ensure that Argentina wins the World Cup again,” he said.

Sabella and his charges are in the city to play FIFA official international friendly match against Venezuela Friday. It is also the coach’s first game after taking over the reins of the team.

When pointed out that Messi’s performance for Barcelona FC was a notch better than his showing for Argentina, Sabella said: “The players from Barcelona know each other for last ten years. The players for the national team meet three-four days before a game which means the things are very difficult.”

The coach, who had played for English clubs Sheffield United and Leeds United in the 1980s, pointed out that there were vast differences in off-pitch actions and emotions revolving round football matches in Latin America and Europe.

“It is not appropriate to compare the teams because their (English) football is different, the players, their team is different, and their pitch is different. The way the game is played in America is different from the way it is played in Europe,” Sabella said.

“We play different and there is not only different type of football inside the pitch but also outside the pitch. There is lot of tranquility among the English football fans,” he said.

“The referees do not take care of players in Colombia and Bolivia. But in Europe the referees take care of the players.”

When a scribe reminded him about the great chemistry between former Argentine coach Carlos Bilardo and Diego Maradona and asked him whether he would strive to build up the same sort of chemistry with Messi, Sabella replied in affirmative.

“I will try to have a great relationship with Messi. I think he will be very important for Argentina as we pursue our world Cup dreams. He is a lot more important than me. Players, especially Messi, are more important than the coach,” said Sabella.

Asked whether the team could have profited if it had a gamemaker like Zinedine Zidane, Sabella said: “We are looking for a couple of footballers who have good understanding with Messi and can take some pressure off him upfront.”

Soccer superstar Messi will make his debut as full-time captain of the star-studded Argentine team that will take on Venezuela at the Salt Lake stadium.