How was the negotiation between Tapia and Scaloni for the March friendlies?

Argentina will play again in Asia. He will go to China. It will be on the FIFA date in March. On the 18th, against the host team and on the 26th, with a European rival to be determined. This is how it closed this Monday, after a meeting between the main protagonists of this story: the president of the AFA, Claudio Chiqui Tapiaand the coach Lionel Scaloniwho in a meeting they held on the Ezeiza propertythey began to put together the logistics to return to the Asian country, where the Albiceleste was in June of last year, on the first tour as world champion.

On that occasion, the National Team faced Australia in Beijing ya Indonesia in Jakarta. They beat both teams 2-0, but beyond football, it generated a revolution, to the point that the concentration overflowed into China. In the hotels where the Argentine team stayed, The guests went through the hallways “hunting” the players to take a photo.

This situation was not to the liking of Lionel Scaloni. In fact, it was one of the issues that the coach asked to review and that was part of the flash that exploded when the Argentine coach stated that he had to think about what he would do in the immediate future, in the press conference he gave after the victory against Brazil in Marcaná, for the South American Qualifiers, in November.

Another issue that would have influenced Scaloni’s words were the rivals that were chosen for the tour. The DT wants more important teams, including European ones. That the sporting level be prioritized more, above the financial level.

There was negotiation and an intermediate point. Because Argentina will return to Asia again to face a minor team like China. But, as far as he could tell Clarion, In the talks between the leadership and the coaching staff, the possibility of playing against a European was included on the second date, March 26.

“I need to think about what I’m going to do, this National Team needs a coach who has all the energy possible”Scaloni had said after the victory over Brazil and his words generated an unexpected explosion within the Argentine team. And in his next public appearance, in the Copa América draw, he maintained doubts about his future..

Then, the Argentine coach was going to have a meeting with Lionel Messi, but it was postponed due to the media commotion that arose around that meeting, while each one spent their vacations in their places of origin. Scaloni, in Pujato and Leo, in Rosario, a few kilometers away.