New Argentina soccer coach Alejandro Sabella on 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 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,” he said.
Sabella, who has replaced Gabriel Batistuta as national coach, said he has to work hard to deliver.
“I must work hard to be behind every player. It is our dream to win the World Cup we will try to ensure that Argentina wins the World Cup again,” said Sabella.
Sabella and his charges are in the city to play a FIFA official international friendly match against Venezuela Friday.
When a scribe reminded him about the great chemistry between former Argentine coach Carlos Bilardo and Diego Maradona and asked whether he would strive to build up the same sort of chemistry with Messi, Sabella replied in the affirmative.
“I will try to have great relationship with Messi I think he will be very important for Argentina as we pursue our World Cup dreams. He is lot more important than me. Players, especially Messi are more important than the coach,” said Sabella.
The September 2 match is the first match of Sabella as the national coach.
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.