Argentina coach wants Lionel Messi to be centre of attention
Caretaker Argentina coach Sergio Batista has revealed that he wants his star attacker, Lionel Messi, to be the focal point of attack for his side’s international friendly with Japan on Friday.
Batista added that he wanted Messi to become the main cog in his machine every time he is in charge of the Argentina national team, allowing the Barcelona forward to take greater responsibilities, in order to reflect his status as the reigning FIFA World
Player of the Year.
"We have the best player in the world and we have to take advantage of it. This doesn't mean that we should pressure [him] as if he was a saviour. He needs to be part of a team which knows they have the best next to them and which knows how to get the best
out of him."
“We have to surround him, and have [Andres] D'Alessandro, [Ever] Banega, [Fernando] Gago and the forwards accompanying his play. I want the ball arriving to Leo's feet, and not that he has to search for it. He must be finishing off our attacks."
Keen to take job on permanent basis
1986 FIFA World Cup winner Batista has been in charge of the side on a temporary basis since July, when he replaced Diego Maradona. After overseeing a famous 4-1 victory over reigning world and European champions Spain, the 47-year-old is the favourite to
be handed the reins on a permanent basis.
While he is determined to hang on to the job on a long-term basis, he revealed that he was in the dark as to whether he would be able to.
"I dream of staying at the helm, that is what I am working towards. The players' support is perhaps very important for the final decision. However, there are other candidates in the directors' minds and I don't know what could happen.”
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