Argentina coach, Jorge Sampaoli, has denied rumours of a rift with star player Lionel Messi, ahead of their crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.
Messi is understood to be critical of the Albiceleste’s hopes, during a qualification campaign in which they now have little room for error.
The 0-0 draw in Uruguay last Thursday, leaves Argentina fifth in the South American group with only three fixtures left, to finish in the top four ans secure automatic qualification.
Over the weekend, reports emerged of a disagreement between Messi and new coach Sampaoli, who was brought in ahead of the Uruguay game to rescue the campaign.
Speaking at a prematch news conference reported by the Argentinian press, Sampaoli laughed off such rumours.
“You are asking me about rumours. I can’t be giving credence to rumours. You have to have some kind of certainty that what you are asking is truth. Otherwise, I am giving credence to rumours.
“Yes, I can say that is false, just like I can say there are a lot of statements that are false. But you are asking me about rumours, perhaps something with intent to do harm.
“Nowadays, we are living in a world in which a lie that is told a thousand times becomes truth. But it is shameful because we are giving value to the rumour that someone wants Argentina to be out of the World Cup and that is shameful.
“We are very lucky to have the best player in the world totally involved to get Argentina to the World Cup. I don’t like to hear these types of questions because they are slanted and you can see where they are going,” he said.
Comments
Post a Comment