Lionel Messi is irreplaceable; strong Argentine personality mistaken for arrogance by outsiders: Ever Adriano Demaldé

The post-Lionel Messi era will be difficult for the Argentina national team to navigate, said Calicut FC head coach Ever Adriano Demaldé. The former Marseille assistant coach, who hails from Argentina, said the key is to figure out what works best for the current squad. The characteristics and skillset of the younger players will decide if Argentina will have to alter their current style of football, he added.

Demaldé credited manager Lionel Scaloni for building a team that works well together. They complement each other well and maintaining such teamwork within the squad is one of Scaloni's greatest strengths.

"He managed to build a very strong group where the players understood their core roles and worked with each other. That understanding between the players itself was very important. Argentina have players with great individual qualities, but the team looked like a team, and that has made the biggest difference," Demaldé said.

Talking about Messi, the former Al Hilal United gaffer said, "He has been an extraordinary player and has had such a major influence on the whole of football. We can never think of replacing a player like him. But I think it's about adapting as a team and finding a new way to play according to the qualities of the current team."

Even at the peak of triumph, Argentine footballers are criticised, if not disliked, for their aggression and selfishness that many find unprofessional. But Demaldé feels many people have mistaken the strong personalities of the La Albiceleste players for arrogance. This confident personality has helped the South Americans win many trophies at the elite level and there is no need to change it, he said.

The 39-year-old Argentine, who arrived in Kerala after having worked with the Saudi Arabia national team, Herrera FC, FC Dila, Independiente Rivadavia, and Al Hilal United, is known for his tactical acumen and embracing a modern coaching philosophy. In an exclusive interaction with THE WEEK, Ever Adriano Demaldé spoke about the Super League Kerala, Indian football, scouting and much more. Excerpts:

The Lionel Messi era has officially ended for Argentina. As a native, how do you view the transition awaiting the national team?

It will be very difficult, but we knew that this moment would eventually come. Messi has been an extraordinary player and has had such a major influence on the whole of football. We can never think of replacing a player like him. But I think it's about adapting as a team and finding a new way to play according to the qualities of the current team.

Do you think Messi's departure will trigger major changes in the way football is played in Argentina? Will the Scaloni system survive?

It will all depend on the characteristics of the new players. Every generation of players has its own qualities, and the way a team plays has to make the most of those qualities. The basic principles can remain the same, but the details may have to change depending on the players in the team.

In the post-Messi era, who are your candidates to take the reins for Argentina? Can you explain why?

It is still too early to tell; there are many potential players, but wearing the Argentine national team jersey isn't easy right now. The expectations are very high, and playing for the team comes with a different kind of responsibility. We will have to wait and see who would be the best person to take this responsibility.

The Scaloni system has proven effective. As a fellow professional familiar with the Argentine system, what do you think were Scaloni's strengths?

Teamwork—I believe that was one of Scaloni's greatest strengths. He managed to build a very strong group where the players understood their core roles and worked with each other. That understanding between the players itself was very important. Argentina have players with great individual qualities, but the team looked like a team, and that has made the biggest difference.

If we look at the world's most promising teenage attackers, we see that most are right-sided players with a dominant left foot. As a football professional, do you think there is a Messi influence here, or is it pure coincidence?

It is just a coincidence. Messi has certainly influenced football in many ways, but I don't think we can say that the number of young players in that position is because of him. Football develops naturally with individuals' interest and hard work, and players come through with different characteristics.

What is your impression of the mentality of the current Argentine generation? What do you make of the criticism that winning trophies has made the team arrogant and selfish?

Argentine players have very strong personalities, and to the outside world, that might come across the way you describe. But the reality is that Argentina has won many trophies thanks to that personality. I think Argentina has won many trophies because the players have that confidence, competitiveness, and desire to win. You need a strong mentality to play at that level.

What are your first impressions of the football culture here in Kerala and in India generally?

The impression is good; I think football is experienced with more passion here in Kerala than in the rest of India. The crowd, the fans—it's a very happening part when it comes to football culture in Kerala. You can clearly see how much of the population cares and follows the game in their hearts. That passion is something very important for the development of football.

If you had to name three areas where the local system needs to work hard to improve football, what would they be?

Infrastructure—there is a lack of football pitches—tournament duration, and professionalising all areas related to football in general. This lack of proper football pitches makes it difficult for players to train and develop consistently. Speaking of which, from coaching and player development to administration and the way clubs are managed, everything is connected, and all these areas should also become more professional.

How do you plan to integrate your vast experience into the football system and culture you’ve encountered in Kerala?

We will try to bring our experience into the team while also respecting the qualities and culture of the players here. The main objective will be to find a balance within the team, particularly in terms of tactical discipline. Football is not only about imposing one idea on every player in the team; it is about understanding the players as individuals and helping them perform at their best.

In your home country, scouts often identify talent when players are no more than 5 or 6 years old. Here in India, many youngsters tend to get serious about the sport only when they reach their teen years. Do you think addressing this is essential for India?

What is essential is that more kids play football and dream of becoming professional players. The earlier they are exposed to the game, the more time they get to learn and develop their skills. But before jumping straight into talking about professional football, the first step is simply to get more children involved in playing the sport regularly and enjoying it.

Can you name players on your squad who you think have what it takes to go far?

The Under-23 players have a chance of going far. They are at an important stage of their development, and this kind of competition can give them valuable experience. If they continue to work hard and improve, they will have the opportunity to progress further.

What are CFC’s objectives for this season?

Our objective is to aim as high as possible throughout the tournament. We want to be competitive in every match and improve as the competition progresses. For me, the important thing is that the team maintains its focus and strong mentality throughout the season.

India is a vast nation, yet it is not yet close to the elite footballing nations. Do you think regional tournaments like the Kerala Super League could be the solution for discovering and nurturing talent?

Yes, regional tournaments play an important role in the development of players, as they give them the opportunity to compete regularly at a higher level. But the season needs to be longer. In my country, there is only about a one-month break during the entire year, so players have much more regular competition and training. If India and Kerala can create a longer and more consistent football calendar, it will give players more opportunities to develop and clubs more opportunities to identify talent.