Mariano Ronconi: "It's a very emotional tournament" - ESPN

The Argentinean men's hockey team is already in Santiago de Chile to defend their title in the Pan American Games. Four years after Lima, the goal is to win another gold medal and secure a direct pass to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. "We want the tournament to begin. The anxieties are difficult to handle," said Mariano Ronconi, head coach of the Argentinean team, in an interview with ESPN.com

There is no doubt that this is the biggest challenge ahead for Los Leones. It's not only about winning another gold medal but also about going straight to France next year and avoiding the three spots for the Pre-Olympics (for second, third, and fourth place).

"We are fine-tuning the details. We are working on the attacking area and also on the defensive attack. The games will have a lot of possession and we will mostly be playing in the opponent's area. We have to be smart, not desperate, move the ball, and prevent any obstacles. The opponents will strengthen that game, and we have to be vigilant in defending when we attack," explained Mamo.

Argentina is clearly the favorite and that can have a big impact mentally. "We rely on the experienced players. They have the leadership on the field. I trust them, and they have to understand when to attack and when to possess the ball without me giving instructions from the outside. I am calm because we have worked very hard," he emphasized.

With a renewed roster due to the generational change, we will see a team that has a clear mix of youth and experience. "We are very united. We work on mental health with the addition of a psychologist. It is a fairly balanced team in terms of age, and undoubtedly, the best players will go to the Pan American Games. We have confidence in that and also in our work. We have to be aligned with the objective. It's a very emotional tournament, where emotions play a very important role," he said.

Perhaps the first setback came with the injury of Nicolás Cicileo, who was replaced by Agustín Machelett. "Those who are left out today will surely be part of the Pro League. You shouldn't stop training and lose focus, because you're still part of the team. We talk a lot about it with them, they are lists, they are decisions. When it's not your turn, you have to keep working and give everything to be in the National Team," Ronconi commented.