Argentina boss Scaloni hits back at Angel Di Maria criticism over national team snub saying ‘we can cope without him’
ARGENTINA boss Lionel Scaloni has hit back at Angel Di Maria following his national team snub.
The Paris Saint-Germain ace, 32, was left in disbelief after he was dropped for the World Cup qualifiers with Ecuador and Bolivia next month.
Di Maria hit out at the decision, suggesting Scaloni should also drop Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero if he was being profiled purely on age.
The veteran, who has 102 caps for Argentina, was hugely impressive last season and starred in PSG’s run to the Champions League final.
But defending his decision, Scaloni said: “I am not worried that he is angry.
“I appreciate it and value it, but after the Copa America, in those six games, the team worked without him.
“The team works without Di Maria and I am not going to use him.
“He is not part of this call, but he is not outside the national team.”
Speaking of his omission for the squad, former Man United forward Di Maria said: “I can’t find an explanation, I have no words. For me, Argentina is the best.
“At my club it’s to try to have a chance with the national team and compete. It’s difficult to understand that being in good form, I’m not called up.
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“If I’m not called, it’s because they don’t want me, but I will keep fighting to be in the team.
“I’m old at 32? If we start to think about replacements, we should do it with everyone.
“For that, Messi, Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi shouldn’t go and others who are in great form.
“Many say that I’m old but I still run the same way and I can be at the same level as Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
“I’ve been in good form for 18 months and haven’t been called up, I’ll continue to show that I’m capable of being in the squad.
“I wish with all of my soul to wear the shirt again. Every time I play a good game or become a better player, I only think about being called up.
“It’s true I’ve been involved for 12 years but it’s my dream and I want to be included.”