Scaloni’s emotional leadership style
Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentina national team, has cultivated a unique leadership style that prioritises emotional connection and personal relationships within the squad. This approach has been evident throughout his tenure, including during significant tournaments such as the World Cup and Copa America. His emotional displays, often leading to tears, have become a notable characteristic, earning him the nickname ‘llorona’ or ‘crybaby’ from his players.
One instance highlighted in the documentary El metodo Scaloni occurred before the 2022 World Cup final against France. Scaloni reportedly became emotional and unable to deliver his team talk, asking assistant Pablo Aimar to take over. Aimar himself was also deeply moved, leading another assistant, Walter Samuel, to unexpectedly step in. Samuel later described it as “the worst team talk of all-time,” yet this vulnerability did not diminish the team’s performance, as Argentina went on to win the final.
Scaloni’s emotional nature has continued to surface, such as when Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, and after the comeback victory against Egypt. Despite the traditional perception of strength in elite sports, Scaloni embraces his emotional side, stating he is comfortable with who he is. This openness contrasts with the machismo often associated with Argentine football, though elements of that spirit, such as Rodrigo De Paul being known as Messi’s ‘bodyguard’ and Cuti Romero’s reputation for reckless behaviour, still exist within the team.
Building a family atmosphere
Scaloni’s philosophy extends beyond tactics, focusing on fostering a strong sense of family and togetherness among his players. This approach is credited with transforming the national team into a cohesive unit, where players feel valued as individuals rather than just strategic pawns. Leandro Paredes acknowledged the challenge of keeping a squad of 30 players content, but noted that Scaloni manages it, contributing to Argentina’s success.
The emphasis on relationships was evident during the 2021 Copa America, held in a COVID bubble. Messi’s pre-final speech against Brazil highlighted the sacrifices made by the players, including Emi Martinez becoming a father without being able to see his newborn daughter. This shared experience and emotional bond are central to the team’s identity. De Paul articulated this by saying Scaloni focuses on “making the person better to make the game better.” Scaloni himself has downplayed formations in favour of feelings, stating after the win against Egypt that he is a head coach “to experience that. Not because I like 4-3-3.”
The coaching staff, including Matias Manna, formerly of Paradigma Guardiola, consistently makes adjustments to the team based on circumstances. In the previous World Cup, players like Paredes, Papu Gomez, and Lautaro Martinez saw their roles change, while Alexis MacAllister, Enzo Fernandez, and Julian Alvarez stepped up. This adaptability, combined with a focus on player well-being, is a hallmark of Scaloni’s management. Martinez believes Scaloni will be remembered as “the best manager in the history of the Argentine national team” due to his treatment of players as people.
Scaloni’s approach also incorporates non-traditional team-building activities. He values communal experiences like an asado, a traditional barbecue, as much as tactical analysis. He once shortened a training session for an asado before a quarter-final match against Switzerland, believing such moments build team spirit and strengthen bonds. He recalled sharing similar experiences with assistants Aimar and Samuel during the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship, emphasising that these shared memories are as important as results.
This focus on identity over ideology, emotional intelligence over tactical prowess, and spirit over strategy defines the current Argentina team. The players’ desire to remain together is encapsulated in fan chants referencing the Malvinas, Diego Maradona, and Messi’s final World Cup appearance.
Upcoming match and potential squad changes
Looking ahead, the Argentina national team is preparing for a semi-final match against England. Scaloni is anticipated to make changes to the starting lineup for this encounter. According to reports, if Nicolás González starts, he would play on the left, with Alexis Mac Allister on the right. Alternatively, if Giuliano Simeone is in the starting eleven, he would be positioned on the right side, with Mac Allister on the left. Exequiel Palacios is also a potential starter for the match.
Scaloni has described the upcoming semi-final as “only a game of football,” seeking to downplay any broader historical tensions. However, concerns remain about potential clashes between fans, leading to heightened alert from FIFA and local police at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. While hooliganism has largely receded from English football, the presence of Barras bravas in Argentina means games can still be intense affairs. The team’s strong bond and emotional resilience will be key as they face England.
Source: nytimes.com
