After a successful stint as the manager of Estudiantes in his homeland, he took over the reins of the national team in August 2011 and achieved World Cup qualification while suffering only two defeats. His first move as Argentina manager was to make Messi captain – a responsibility the Barcelona genius has thrived on since. He has tried to build the team around his star and has been reaping fruits.
While at Estudiantes, Sabella, a disciple of Carlos Bilardo favored a robust 5-3-2 format with its defensive options while deploying a deep lying play-maker and hitting on the counter. And he has tried to incorporate the same with Messi lying deep. No wonder it was the most asked question thrown towards him in the presser.
The press queried nearly ten times regarding what system Sabella would deploy. “I don’t know. I still have 24 hours to decide,” was the reply.
What do you mean? the Argentine coach does not know what will be his system on the eve of his World Cup opener?
“I don’t know does not mean that I don’t know what will be my system. I have a number of options and am still to decide what to implement. I will talk with my players before taking the final decision. I think Messi also have something to say,” was the answer this time.
You have used a couple of formations in the build-up to the World Cup. What will be there against Bosnia?
“We beat Bosnia 2-0 in a friendly and now it’s the World Cup. So it’s a different level and it should not be compared. As it’s a match of top level, the strategy would be different. I can’t tell you what I am going to do as it is in the future. I am not a predictor,” said Sabella.
Argentina is the favorite to win the World Cup.
“You can think it but I don’t like the words. It really means nothing. After all, nobody knows what is going to happen in the field. You can’t foresee a result. I want to focus on Bosnia match. I am not focused on the trophy right now,” answered Sabella.
People say you will adopt a defensive tactic even though you have all the attacking flairs.
“Football depends on both attack and defense. You can’t attack without defending well and without good defending, you can’t attack also. The fitness, attack, defense as a whole are important,” he replied.
What about Messi?
“He is a player to be protected for the best of the team. He is the player who can lift the team. He is a very important player,” said Sabella.
Do you think refereeing was poor in the Brazil-Croatia match?
“Referees are the men who do not have any supporter in the field. They are human also and have to absorb enormous pressure. Only humans make mistake. I expect referees to be positive,” said Sabella.
Asked to comment on Spain’s 5-1 humiliation, Sabella said they had to start their trip to Rio for the Bosnia game and could see just two goals of the match. “It would not be respectful to comment on something I don’t know and have not seen,” concluded Sabella.