Always Laziali
06-12-2002, 11:22 PM
There are reports that Hector Cuper will take over from Marcelo Bielsa on the Argentina bench after their shock World Cup exit.
“What Coach would not say yes to an offer like that?” confessed the Inter boss this evening.
“I would be very happy if my country were to call me, as it would be an important sign of their respect and appreciation. I’m certain an Italian tactician would have similar emotions if contacted by the FA.”
“However,” he added, “I know nothing of Argentina’s interest for me. And in any case I still have another year on my contract with Inter.”
Cuper is one of the world’s most respected managers after taking Spanish club sides Real Majorca and Valencia to three consecutive European Finals.
The Argentine would be the prime candidate to replace Bielsa at the helm of a team in disarray following their early exit from a tournament they were expected to win.
“It was a terrible disappointment,” admitted Cuper, “as we all thought Argentina could be World Champions. I haven’t been to bed, not before nor after today’s match.”
The game was played with an evening kick-off, but in Argentina it was at 3.30am.
“It had seemed like a relaxed enough lead-up to the crunch tie with Sweden,” he explained. “I saw my assistant manager Mario Gomez, played football with friends and went out for a pizza before the match.”
“It’s a terrible disappointment. I’m not sure that in the last eight World Cups Argentina have ever gone out in the first round, let alone when they were favourites for the title.”
The South Americans last fell at the first hurdle in 1962, losing out on goal difference to England and Hungary.
Another Argentine close to Inter spoke of his very own ‘Annus Horribilis’ after losing the Scudetto in the final game.
“This exit really hurt,” revealed Javier Zanetti. “It closes a season where nothing went my way.”
The 1-1 draw with Sweden was the final straw for their campaign in Japan and Korea.
“It’s incredible to go out like this. Sweden never really played, they just sat back and defended while we were terribly unlucky.”
“Now my anger and desire to get back on top will fuel next season with Inter. The club will give me the satisfaction that has been sorely missing from my life this year. We are mature enough to win now.”
France were the other favourites eliminated in the first round and Coach Roger Lemerre will be fired this week.
Former Juventus midfielder Didier Deschamps was tipped to be his successor, but his club side Monaco have confirmed the tactician will stay on for another year.
Uruguay Coach Victor Pua has resigned after earning ten wins, eight draws and as many defeats since taking over in February 2001.
According to the local press the candidates to take over include Jorge Fossati, Nacional de Montevideo Coach Hugo de Leon, Panathinaikos boss Sergio Markarian and even Hector Cuper.
“What Coach would not say yes to an offer like that?” confessed the Inter boss this evening.
“I would be very happy if my country were to call me, as it would be an important sign of their respect and appreciation. I’m certain an Italian tactician would have similar emotions if contacted by the FA.”
“However,” he added, “I know nothing of Argentina’s interest for me. And in any case I still have another year on my contract with Inter.”
Cuper is one of the world’s most respected managers after taking Spanish club sides Real Majorca and Valencia to three consecutive European Finals.
The Argentine would be the prime candidate to replace Bielsa at the helm of a team in disarray following their early exit from a tournament they were expected to win.
“It was a terrible disappointment,” admitted Cuper, “as we all thought Argentina could be World Champions. I haven’t been to bed, not before nor after today’s match.”
The game was played with an evening kick-off, but in Argentina it was at 3.30am.
“It had seemed like a relaxed enough lead-up to the crunch tie with Sweden,” he explained. “I saw my assistant manager Mario Gomez, played football with friends and went out for a pizza before the match.”
“It’s a terrible disappointment. I’m not sure that in the last eight World Cups Argentina have ever gone out in the first round, let alone when they were favourites for the title.”
The South Americans last fell at the first hurdle in 1962, losing out on goal difference to England and Hungary.
Another Argentine close to Inter spoke of his very own ‘Annus Horribilis’ after losing the Scudetto in the final game.
“This exit really hurt,” revealed Javier Zanetti. “It closes a season where nothing went my way.”
The 1-1 draw with Sweden was the final straw for their campaign in Japan and Korea.
“It’s incredible to go out like this. Sweden never really played, they just sat back and defended while we were terribly unlucky.”
“Now my anger and desire to get back on top will fuel next season with Inter. The club will give me the satisfaction that has been sorely missing from my life this year. We are mature enough to win now.”
France were the other favourites eliminated in the first round and Coach Roger Lemerre will be fired this week.
Former Juventus midfielder Didier Deschamps was tipped to be his successor, but his club side Monaco have confirmed the tactician will stay on for another year.
Uruguay Coach Victor Pua has resigned after earning ten wins, eight draws and as many defeats since taking over in February 2001.
According to the local press the candidates to take over include Jorge Fossati, Nacional de Montevideo Coach Hugo de Leon, Panathinaikos boss Sergio Markarian and even Hector Cuper.