Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears during the post-match press conference following the FIFA World Cup final.
Argentina suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal in the 106th minute of extra time.
After the heartbreaking loss, Scaloni was unable to hold back his emotions.
“Please bear with me, I don’t know if I can continue,” he said through tears.
He also spoke about how difficult it would be to rebuild the special atmosphere and unity that existed within the national team.
“This country is wonderful. It is a dream destination. Neither I nor my coaching staff ever imagined we would be in this position. To keep going, many things are needed, especially clearing your mind, starting over, and building another group like this one. That is incredibly difficult to recreate.”
Scaloni also revealed that he plans to discuss his future with the president of the Argentine Football Association.
“I will speak with the president. I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will honor my contract, but I feel the need to reflect. I don’t know whether something as extraordinary as this can be achieved again. We need to discuss it. I am grateful to the president for giving me the opportunity to be where I am today. It was a dream position for all of us. Until the very last minute, the coaching staff and the players gave everything they had. I believe I deserve some time for myself to think things through carefully,” Scaloni said.
Before leaving the press conference, Scaloni apologized once more.
“It really hurts. I’m truly sorry,” he said.
Scaloni also addressed speculation about whether he will remain Argentina’s head coach, stating that he intends to honor his contract, which expires in December.
