Demichelis urges Lionel Scaloni to stay as Argentina’s ‘Gringo’

Martín Demichelis touched down in Buenos Aires as the new Leipzig head coach and immediately praised Lionel Scaloni, saying “Ojalá que el Gringo se quede”. The former River midfielder added, “Estamos muy mal acostumbrados”, referring to the national team’s eight‑year run of success.

Leipzig coach backs Scaloni

At Ezeiza Airport, Demichelis was asked about the continuity of the world‑champion coach and replied, “Estamos muy mal acostumbrados, porque estos últimos ocho años fueron súper exitosos. Ojalá que el Gringo se quede”. He stressed that Scaloni, now 48, still has the energy to build a competitive group.

“Ojalá que se sienta con esa energía y con las ganas de poder seguir. Porque desde su sencillez, él va a armar un grupo competitivo, no tengo ninguna duda”, Demichelis said, underscoring his confidence in the Argentine manager’s vision.

From River to Germany

Demichelis reflected on his own path, noting he grew up at River as a player and person before Germany gave him the chance to mature at 22. He spent four years in Bayern’s youth set‑up, a period he describes as the foundation for his coaching career.

He added that the Bundesliga has always been his dream, saying “siempre tenía la ilusión y el objetivo o el sueño de volver a la Bundesliga”. He will not return to Leipzig’s matchday squad until October because of the current Bundesliga pause.

Returning to his beloved River, Demichelis said, “soy y seré hincha de River”. He expressed sorrow at the departure of “el Chacho”, a close friend, and voiced admiration for the current coach, Leonardo Ponzio, urging River supporters to back him.

Demichelis praised Ponzio’s humility and intimate knowledge of the club, noting the recent loss was “injusto” but confident that “Leo lo puede hacer”. The interview, reported by Olé and captured by AP Photo, highlights the contrast between Demichelis’s personal journey and his hope for continuity at the national level.