Thaindian News

Kolkata, Aug 29 (IANS) New Argentine soccer coach Alejandro Sabella Monday said he was looking forward for a victory to begin his stint in the hot seat on a high in the FIFA official friendly match against Venezuela here Sep 2.

Hours after arriving in the city, Sabella said he was hopeful of his side coming up with a good performance in Salt Lake stadium encounter.

“This is my first match as coach of the Argentinian national side. I hope we play very well. We are looking forward for a win,” he said.

Describing Lionel Messi as the best player of the world, Sabella said: “I think he will help me achieve a lot of things”.

He seemed tired after a gruelling 33-hour journey, but said he now felt “ok”.

Sabella arrived Monday morning with an 18-member team, that included goalkeeper Esteban Andrada, and other coaching and support staff.

Messi and his Barcelona FC teammate Javier Mascherano are slated to arrive Wednesday morning after playing the club’s La Liga game with Villareal Monday.

The other players would come in batches Tuesday.

Meanwhile, state Sports Minister Madan Mitra claimed that Sabella was satisfied with the facilities made for the match. “Through an interpreter I spoke to him. He described the facilities as fantastic and exceptional”.

Mitra said the spruced up Salt Lake stadium was now ready to host the tie and would be handed over to the organisers midnight Monday.