Time is running out for Alejandro Garnacho to earn an opportunity under Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni ahead of the World Cup
15:34, 30 Oct 2025
Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for Chelsea vs Sunderland(Image: Simon Dael/Shutterstock)
Alejandro Garnacho has been warned to get his head out of the clouds if he wants a shot at the World Cup next summer.
The Argentine winger, who sealed a £40 million switch to Stamford Bridge last summer, has struggled to shake off concerns about his attitude. His exit from Old Trafford was anything but quiet with Garnacho publicly lashed out after Ruben Amorim benched him for the Europa League final, effectively torching his relationship with the club.
Tensions had already been building for some time. During United’s 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in December, Garnacho appeared to snub his manager’s instructions, turning away before stepping onto the pitch. Though later dismissed as a misunderstanding, the incident came just days before his surprise omission from the Manchester derby squad.
Prior to his move to west London, Garnacho was part of the ‘bomb squad’ at Old Trafford and was axed from Amorim’s pre-season plans.
Speaking about the 21-year-old’s attitude, which has kept him out of Argentina’s squad since last November, former international Oscar Ruggeri told ESPN: “He’s no better than anyone else, you’re a football player, enjoy it, but you shouldn’t be so full of yourself.
Alejandro Garnacho in action for Argentina in the Copa America 2024(Image: Getty Images)
“It’s pointless because you miss out on so much. Someone has to bring him down to earth. They’re not calling him up to the national team.
“If he comes back down to earth like he was, they’ll call him up again because he’s phenomenal on the pitch.”
Ruggeri believes the Chelsea winger has potential but insists his attitude needs improvement. Whether Garnacho returns to the Argentina squad ahead of the biggest tournament remains to be seen.
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