Argentine Lionel Scaloni, a World Cup champion with his country, was chosen as the best coach of the year at The Best FIFA Awards on Monday, ahead of Italian Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid and Spanish Pep Guardiola from Manchester City.
Scaloni, 44, completed the great work he had been doing with the Albiceleste in Qatar, with whom he has only lost one of the last 43 games he has coached.
Despite his short experience on the sidelines, the former footballer has revived the team spirit in Argentina and has been able to exploit the talent of his stars, starting with his compatriot Lionel Messi.
"I want to thank everyone, especially the players who vote. I want to congratulate the 26 players who led us to glory, the president of AFA who gave me the opportunity. To Aimar, Ayala, Samuel, Tocalli, Martín, and the entire coaching staff, who are my friends. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing your people, your country, happy, enjoying it is priceless. The players played for them and we are eternally grateful. Lastly, to my wife and children who are here, to my mom, dad, and my family in Pujato, who thanks to them I am what I am. And to our whole country," he said.