AS Roma forward Paulo Dybala has expressed his dismay at being left out of Lionel Scaloni’s provisional Argentina squad for the upcoming Copa America. Despite an impressive season with Roma, where he scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions, Dybala was not selected for the tournament set to take place in Germany this summer.
The 30-year-old star will now have to support his national team from afar, even though he had a strong desire to contribute on the pitch. Dybala shared his thoughts on the exclusion in an interview with The Athletic, revealing his surprise and disappointment.
"My exclusion from Copa America? I think I’ve done some great things this season, I was confident of being called up so it was a blow to me. I also think it’s hard for coaches to have to choose," Dybala said.
Despite his frustration, Dybala maintains respect for Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, acknowledging the difficult decisions that come with squad selection. “I respect Scaloni’s decision, I have a very good relationship with him and he definitely made the decision for the sake of the team,” Dybala added.
Dybala's performance this season has been noteworthy, as he played a pivotal role in AS Roma's campaign. His exclusion has raised questions among fans and pundits alike, considering his contributions and form. The forward's ability to influence games with his creativity and goal-scoring prowess has been evident, making his omission all the more surprising.
The decision reflects the depth of talent available to Scaloni and the tough choices that national team managers often face. While Dybala's absence will be felt, Argentina boasts a wealth of attacking options to navigate the tournament. Scaloni's decision likely considers various tactical and team dynamic factors, aiming to build a balanced and cohesive squad capable of competing for the title.
Dybala’s attitude toward the exclusion demonstrates his professionalism and team spirit. His acknowledgment of the challenging nature of squad selection and his continued respect for Scaloni's decisions highlight his maturity as a player.
As Argentina prepares for Copa America, Dybala's focus will remain on his club career and potentially earning a recall in future international competitions. His determination to support the team from afar shows his commitment to the national squad, even when not directly involved.
The Copa America will provide a platform for other players to step up and make their mark, but Dybala's absence will undoubtedly be a talking point. For the forward, this setback may serve as motivation to continue his stellar performances and prove his worth for future selections.
Paulo Dybala’s exclusion from the Argentina squad for Copa America has come as a significant disappointment to the player, especially after a successful season with AS Roma.
His reaction reflects a mix of respect for the coach's decision and personal determination to support the national team from the sidelines. As the tournament unfolds, Dybala will be watching closely, hoping for Argentina's success while using this experience to fuel his drive for excellence on the pitch.
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