Lionel Scaloni fumed after Argentinian team news was leaked ahead of the game with Holland

Lionel Scaloni is FURIOUS after news of a reported injury to Rodrigo de Paul in behind closed doors training is leaked… as the Argentina boss claims the ‘entire environment of the country and national team must improve’

  • Argentina face Holland in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday evening at 7pm
  • However, their manager Lionel Scaloni fumed after team news was leaked
  • Reports had emerged in the media that Rodrigo de Paul had picked up an injury
  • De Paul’s knock occurred in behind closed doors training, leaving Scaloni furious
  • Argentina’s boss asked journalists who had informed them of this injury update 
  • Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni fumed after team news was leaked from his side ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash with Holland.

Argentina face Louis van Gaal’s finely-tuned outfit in the last eight on Friday evening at 7pm (GMT), having beaten Australia 2-1 in the Round of 16 last Saturday. 

In the run-up to the blockbuster clash, reports in the media suggested that Rodrigo de Paul was a doubt after picking up a muscle injury in training.

Lionel Scaloni fumed after Argentinian team news was leaked ahead of the game with Holland

Lionel Scaloni fumed after Argentinian team news was leaked ahead of the game with Holland

However, the supposed injury that De Paul suffered took place in behind closed doors training on Wednesday, leaving Scaloni furious.

‘Why do you ask me about De Paul’s situation?’, Scaloni had asked reporters at his pre-match press conference on Friday, as reported by Argentinian outlet Ole.

‘Because he did some studies and did not finish the training, DirecTV journalist, Federico Rodas replied.

Scaloni then asked Rodas who had leaked the news – with De Paul having since denied the injury. He said: ‘If you tell me who told you, I’ll tell you about Rodrigo’s situation.’

Scaloni was furious there were media reports circulating about Rodrigo de Paul being injured

Scaloni was furious there were media reports circulating about Rodrigo de Paul being injured

The reporter denied Scaloni’s request and replied: ‘No, I’m not going to tell you who told me.’

Scaloni was clearly furious that news had got out about De Paul as he pleaded: ‘The training was behind closed doors, yesterday, guys…’

The back-and-forth between the pair continued as Rodas added: ‘Does that make you angry, Lionel?’

Scaloni said: ‘It doesn’t make me angry, the training was behind closed doors.’

Rodas replied: ‘No, I mean if the information that emerges about Rodrigo De Paul’s physique makes you angry…’

Scaloni then again highlighted his anger at the leaks in the row as he said: ‘I don’t know if we play for Argentina or the Netherlands.’

Argentina beat Australia 2-1 last Saturday to set up a dramatic quarter-final clash with Holland

Argentina beat Australia 2-1 last Saturday to set up a dramatic quarter-final clash with Holland

‘Training was behind closed doors so I don’t know where this information is coming from. 

‘We are not interested in the information that comes out when there is no press. 

‘That is something that we have to learn and improve the entire environment of Argentina and the National Team…’

Elsewhere Scaloni was also non-committal about whether Angel di Maria would be fit for Friday’s game after the Juventus star missed the victory over Australia.

Scaloni also gave nothing away over Angel Di Maria fitness after he missed the Australia game

Scaloni also gave nothing away over Angel Di Maria fitness after he missed the Australia game

He added: ‘In principle, they’re feeling well and we will see in today’s training and come up with a line-up.

‘(But) the team comes first, so if you’re out on the field, you must be fit so that you can help the team.’

Scaloni, who spent six months on loan at West Ham during the 2005-2006 season, has been in charge of Argentina since 2018.

During his spell as manager of La Albiceleste, he led his nation to a historic triumph in the Copa America in 2021.

In total, he has won 37 of his 54 games as manager of Argentina.

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