Football
Adriana Garcia 8y

Argentina's Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano worried by Cordoba pitch

Argentina stars Sergio Aguero and Javier Mascherano have expressed concerned over the state of the pitch at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes ahead of next week's 2018 World Cup qualifier at home to Bolivia next week.

Argentina, who will face Chile in Santiago on Thursday, are set to host Bolivia in Cordoba on March 29 for their first home qualifier of 2016.

However, recent rock concerts have left the pitch in poor condition and, while ground staff are working against the clock to improve it, Aguero said the players had spoken about the situation en route to Argentina.

The Manchester City striker told Ole: "In the plane we were talking about the pitch but apparently they are going to make improvements so that it's better in time.

"You're shocked when you see that these things happen because you're not used to it.

"When I look at the photographs, I say to myself, 'What happened here?' It doesn't scare you but it is shocking -- more so because it is a pitch that you know that the national team will be playing on.

"We will see how it is and just think that we are playing at junior level [laughs]."

Barcelona defender Mascherano added in Ole: "The current state of the ground is not ideal to practise good football, which is something we always try to do, whether we achieve it or not.

"In the end, it not only damages the spectacle and the play but, also, there is the risk of injury.

"It's a pity that they have not been more careful. I was captain of the national team and I am now vice-captain and we have never been consulted regarding where we would play a game.

"I hope that it can be improved so that we can give the people a good showing."

Aguero has nevertheless defended the Argentina Football Association (AFA) over its recent decision to play home games at different venues around the country rather than solely in Buenos Aires' River Plate Stadium.

"It's nice to play in different places because it gives an opportunity for people to come and watch you play when otherwise they were unable to," he said.

Argentina must now focus on turning around their slow start in qualifying. A defeat to Ecuador, draws against Paraguay and Brazil and a win over Colombia have left Gerardo Martino's side sixth in the 10-team qualifying group.

The top four teams in the group will qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia while the fifth will go into an intercontinental playoff.

"It's a tough situation because Argentina is accustomed to being at the top, but each time it's more difficult because there are many countries that are improving," Aguero said.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi returns for the Chile and Bolivia games, having missed the first four qualifiers with a knee injury.

"It's a relief that Leo is with us," Aguero said. "It's always great to play with him. We consider him a crucial player."

Barcelona star Messi has scored 22 goals and set up 10 more in 25 league appearances this season to help his side take a nine-point lead at the top of table.

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