After Uruguay defeat, Scaloni asks for time for the youngsters: 'We cannot put the whole team on their shoulders'

After the 2-1 defeat to Uruguay at La Bombonera, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has urged that big things should not be expected from the young players right away. Lionel Messi and the experienced stars were absent from this match; Argentina is walking the path of rebuilding the team with newcomers.

Scaloni is not seeing this defeat only as a failure. Rather, he has highlighted the need to give the newcomers time in the process of rebuilding the team. In his view, extra responsibility should not be loaded onto the youngsters in the absence of the experienced stars.

After the match, Scaloni said, 'They are young and we believe we have to find the right time to give them their chance. Unfortunately, today we could not create the conditions for them to enjoy their own game. We have to be patient. They are ready to give their best. We cannot put the responsibility of the whole team on their shoulders. Especially against a strong opponent, the task is difficult.'

Scaloni wants to give the youngsters time to adapt to the national team jersey. At the same time, he has stressed making the team more stable. The Argentina coach said, 'I want them to gradually get used to playing in this jersey. Our plan is not that the team will collapse again and again. We want to give these players a bit more stability.'

Yet Scaloni has also found positive sides of the team in the defeat. In particular, he is satisfied with the players' performance in the second half and with the attempt to fight back after falling two goals behind.

Scaloni said, 'In the second half especially, the team had some good moments. I am satisfied with the team's reaction after falling behind 2-0. The players fought back and played with patience. You have to learn about your teammates, who moves how, how they play. These things are learned by playing such matches.'

Urging that the pressure of expectation not be increased on the youngsters, Scaloni further said, 'We know the team's star players are not here. Those who are here are also good players. They have to be given time. It is not right to think the youngsters alone will win the match. I hope they will win matches. But that responsibility should not be put on them right now.'

Scaloni also stood beside goalkeeper Jeronimo Rulli, who made his debut as captain against Uruguay. He is unwilling to blame Rulli for the goals conceded. Scaloni said, 'Gero is a reliable goalkeeper. He was not at fault for the goals. We are happy with his performance.'

Next Tuesday, Argentina will play their next friendly against Costa Rica at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba. Scaloni has hinted at changes to the eleven for that match. He has also said a few players will be given another chance.