Romero hails Sabella influence for Argentina
Argentina's Sergio Romero has paid tribute to coach Alejandro Sabella for helping him secure a starting spot at the FIFA World Cup.
The Monaco goalkeeper featured in Argentina's Group F opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina as a Sead Kolasinac own goal and Lionel Messi's strike helped them to a 2-1 win.
Romero made only four starts for his club last term but has held off competition from Mariano Andujar and Agustin Orion to be his nation's number one.
The 27-year-old revealed that Sabella's man-management expertise had been key in helping him prepare for the competition in Brazil.
"Sabella is a coach who is always aware of how one is both physically and emotionally," he told Telam.
"From day one he said, 'these are my three goalkeepers'. I got messages from the coach or his goalkeeping coaches to check on me, even though I was not playing (at Monaco).
"For all that I can only be grateful that Sabella gave me continuity.
"It was a good thing he gave me that support - even more so in the goalkeeper position and I value that."
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Romero will likely continue in goal for Sabella when Argentina face Iran on Saturday.