Sergio Batista visits the land of the rising sun eager to celebrate another victory to help him settle as Albiceleste's coach. Japan's coach Alberto Zaccheroni must “cultivate Japanese talent on a long-term basis" as he assured.
Diego Maradona's departure gave Sergio "Checho" Batista an opportunity to take command of Argentina's cruise. Batista made radical modifications to Maradona's aggressive scheme, strengthening Albiceleste's defense and ball control with players like Ever Banega, Esteban Cambiasso, Fernando Gago and Javier Zanetti.
"I dream of staying at the helm, that is what I am working towards. The players' support is very important for the final decision" stated Argentina's former U-20 coach. Zanetti, Gago and Sergio Aguero are ruled out with injuries, forcing him to adopt a new strategy for this game. Andres D'Alessandro (who has just won the Copa Libertadores with Internacional) is back on the list and it's likely he'll become Messi's partner to break through Japan's defense.
Alberto Zaccheroni's Samurais will have to deal with a rival far above their level. The Italian coach focuses on the team play of his squad “It is wrong to go out there with an all-defensive frame of mind. I aim to build a team skilled in both offensive and defensive. I want to improve their technical aspects and have them play better than ever." he stated.
The tickets for the game sold out in only a few hours, and this has much to do with Messi's presence. The Japanese crave for Pep Guardiola's diamond. His presence reports 200.000 euros for Argentina's Football Association.
"We have the best player in the world, and if we manage to sorround him properly, we'll be able to get the best out of him." said Sergio Batista. "I want the ball arriving at Leo's feet and not that he has to search for it. He must be finishing off our attacks, not starting them." he added.
Japan's coach Alberto Zaccheroni is still struggling to adapt to Japanse football. He needs a sound victory to overcome last year's mediocre performance as Juventus' coach. His first tests will be against Argentina and South Korea in the next weeks.
“I think Argentina will play with a wonderful football. They have many players who play in Europe and know each other very well. They are one of the best sides in the world. I am studying Korea at the moment, but they have players with high individual quality. We should be careful." argued Bianconeri's former coach.
Argentina's coach is looking for new blood. Javier Pastore is likely to be given a shot within the starting squad. Palermo's midfielder, a highly tactical player with a deep understanding of the game, might become Messi's ideal partner in the offense. Rumors linking the young player to Barcelona (expressly requested by Messi himself) for the next season have grown during the last weeks, and his performance in the friendly matches to come will have a great impact on his future. "Pastore is a number 10 and a second striker, with incredible gunner skills. He has a great future and fits into our playing style." declared Batista.
Argentina's offense will be lead by Angel Di Maria from the left wing and it's uncertain whether Gonzalo Higuain or Diego Milito will join Real Madrid's player. Both are going through a dry streak in their respective leagues and will be looking for redemption wearing the Albiceleste.
This will surely be one of the most exciting friendly matches of the week. Argentina has already defeated the World Champion, will they survive against Zaccheroni's Samurais?
"I dream of staying at the helm, that is what I am working towards. The players' support is very important for the final decision" stated Argentina's former U-20 coach. Zanetti, Gago and Sergio Aguero are ruled out with injuries, forcing him to adopt a new strategy for this game. Andres D'Alessandro (who has just won the Copa Libertadores with Internacional) is back on the list and it's likely he'll become Messi's partner to break through Japan's defense.
Alberto Zaccheroni's Samurais will have to deal with a rival far above their level. The Italian coach focuses on the team play of his squad “It is wrong to go out there with an all-defensive frame of mind. I aim to build a team skilled in both offensive and defensive. I want to improve their technical aspects and have them play better than ever." he stated.
The tickets for the game sold out in only a few hours, and this has much to do with Messi's presence. The Japanese crave for Pep Guardiola's diamond. His presence reports 200.000 euros for Argentina's Football Association.
"We have the best player in the world, and if we manage to sorround him properly, we'll be able to get the best out of him." said Sergio Batista. "I want the ball arriving at Leo's feet and not that he has to search for it. He must be finishing off our attacks, not starting them." he added.
Japan's coach Alberto Zaccheroni is still struggling to adapt to Japanse football. He needs a sound victory to overcome last year's mediocre performance as Juventus' coach. His first tests will be against Argentina and South Korea in the next weeks.
“I think Argentina will play with a wonderful football. They have many players who play in Europe and know each other very well. They are one of the best sides in the world. I am studying Korea at the moment, but they have players with high individual quality. We should be careful." argued Bianconeri's former coach.
Argentina's coach is looking for new blood. Javier Pastore is likely to be given a shot within the starting squad. Palermo's midfielder, a highly tactical player with a deep understanding of the game, might become Messi's ideal partner in the offense. Rumors linking the young player to Barcelona (expressly requested by Messi himself) for the next season have grown during the last weeks, and his performance in the friendly matches to come will have a great impact on his future. "Pastore is a number 10 and a second striker, with incredible gunner skills. He has a great future and fits into our playing style." declared Batista.
Argentina's offense will be lead by Angel Di Maria from the left wing and it's uncertain whether Gonzalo Higuain or Diego Milito will join Real Madrid's player. Both are going through a dry streak in their respective leagues and will be looking for redemption wearing the Albiceleste.
This will surely be one of the most exciting friendly matches of the week. Argentina has already defeated the World Champion, will they survive against Zaccheroni's Samurais?
