Ahead of Lionel's farewell match for the Argentina national team, the head coach of Gepardov spoke about the tactical goals of his young team and a special tribute to the Argentine legend.
The head coach of the Benin national team, Gernot Rohr, went to the farewell match of Lionel Messi with a special mission: the anniversary of the world's most important champions will mark the end of the seven-year anniversary. The mentor plans to ask the Argentine striker for an autograph on the football player Messi gave him back in 2018, if Rohr defeated the Nigerian national team at the World Championships in Russia.
“Having given me your T-shirt after that match, it’s a miracle that I’ll be back again this very same time.”. I’ll ask him for his signature, since I didn’t sign him last time,” Rohr shared.
The mentor does not admit his infatuation with Messi’s talent, remembering the last year of his participation in the World Cup:.
" You could do everything with your left foot, and it looked even easier. Yogo shvidkіst also. One minute he’s here, but the next he’s gone. "
Having achieved the status of a future super competitor, Rohr tightly controlled the psychological state of his team for the rest of the year. Abi hype about the game with Argentina, without having completed preparations for the qualification of the 2027 African Cup of Nations, the coach deliberately stopped the Gravians from discussing this friendly match.
The strategy yielded results: Benin passed the first two rounds without defeat, drawing against Burkina Faso (1:1) and beating Mauritania (2:1). After this, the Cheetahs took off their green light in preparation for the Mass of the Company.
The coach of the crossovers, who asked Benin for such a significant performance is not a failure - the organizers vouchsafed the reputation of the team as a failure in honest and substitute football. Respecting the fact that Argentina, within the framework of this round, has already defeated Burkina Faso with a 7:0 score, Rohr sets a clear task for the group in front of his followers..
Survive the defeat and demonstrate brilliant football against the backdrop of a top opponent. Gain invaluable evidence for the young talent through the confrontation with the fantastic line of attack of the Argentines. Preserve competitiveness and show the reliable group in danger.
Commenting on the imminent completion of Messi's international career, Gernot Rohr expressed the belief that Argentina will not be left without a leader. In the opinion of the coach, in the country, as Diego Maradona wanted that Mass and such masters as Lautaro Martinez are already performing, the appearance of new light stars means no more food for the hour.
Guess what, the friendly match between Argentina and Benin will take place on the night of the 7th at about 02:00 Kyiv time.