Massimo Lanzano and the hope of taking Los Leones from the track to the top

The illusion that condemns. Massimo LanzanoLos Leones track coach, is experiencing a dream moment. It will be his second experience leading the Argentine team in a World Cup, after seventh place in 2023. With renewed energy and waiting for the event that will mark 2025, the Italian spoke exclusively with AM850 Hockey in the run-up to the international competition. “The biggest desire is to improve the result. We consider that we have many chances, it is going to be more complicated, but we are prepared”he anticipated.

Round trip from Italy to Argentina, Lanzano settled in the Old Continent a year ago after winning the Indoor Pan American Cup last year. The detailed study of what is to come led to a special request from the players who participated in that triumph. “We ask the boys to try to get clubs in Europe to compete at a high level. Then the idea is to meet eight days before in Zagreb to play six friendlies and arrive with a good run.”he explained. And he added: “We are in direct contact with them daily. And I have the chance to see them play. Many matches are streamed, especially those in Germany. There is an individual analysis that we do with a personalized plan from the physical point of view.”. The coach confirmed that they have already presented an expanded list of 20 players to the FIH, although due to a planning issue, 14 are working hard on the process. Eventually there will be 12 who will travel to the World Cup along with two reserves.

The growth of ice hockey is undeniable. The results are in sight and the dream of having a great World Cup to gain more ground is essential for Massimo. “Our hope is that one day it will become an Olympic sport because it would be joining an elite level. I don’t know if in the summer, because we already have the grass with which we work a lot together, but it could be in the winter,” he emphasized. “It is not only the situation in Argentina, it is also like this in other countries. It would help a lot in popularity, which is a bit what is missing, especially among those who could participate. It is complementary to field hockey. Playing in both helps a lot to raise the tactical, physical and mental level of the players”he pointed out.

The Lions’ journey in the contest that will be held in the Croatian city of Porec between February 3 and 9 will begin with Iran on Monday the 3rd from 4:30 a.m. (ARG) and will be the opening match of the championship. On Tuesday the 4th they will play with Malaysia at 5:30 a.m. (ARG) and will close the group stage against Germanythe most champion, from 5:00 p.m. (ARG) the next day. “The advantage we had in the last World Cup is that we surprised the Iranians. We don’t know much about Malaysia. And regarding the Germans, there we can do the math and see what our situation is and what theirs is. Many times they appear with experienced players or with youth players. It’s a mystery. I think it is a complicated area because, in addition, we play three days in a row. The key will be the video analysis after each match and having that reading of the reduced game, quick decision making and defensive postures”he described.

In the last World Cup, when Argentina finished in seventh place, they also shared a group with Iran and beat them 5 to 4 in their debut. Then he advanced to quarter finals in fourth place and They fell in that instance against Austria, which was finally the champion. “In South Africa we knew the value of our team, but we didn’t know what the level of the rest was. The goal was to give the maximum and go as far as possible. I think we were up to the task. But today, I think the team is at its best. In the last Pan American they showed that, at times, they play by memory. Beyond the concepts, beyond what one can mark, it was a beauty to see them play. The indications were few and that speaks well of the group, of the process, of what the reality of the Argentine is, of being there, fighting, getting up, improving and continuing to grow. The players are aware of what they can achieve, as are we, and always with great humility. “They want to go for something important and our coaching staff has to help them.”he remarked.

To close, Massimo Lanzano expressed the meaning it has for him to be the coach of Los Leones track again in a World Cup event. “It’s always a big challenge when it comes to leading a team in such an important event. It is something incredible to lead in a second World Cup. He does great work, especially on things that are not seen and we put a lot of passion into it. The greatest desire is to improve the result of the last time. It’s going to be difficult, we are prepared and they supported us a lot. I think they gave us the best conditions to try to achieve it”he concluded.