Gerardo Martino took Paraguay to the final of the Copa América four years ago, but the Argentina coach is plotting their downfall ahead of Saturday’s Group B clash in La Serena with Albiceleste glory the only thing on his mind.

Martino spent five years in charge of la Albirroja before ending his tenure after a 3-0 defeat to Uruguay in the 2011 Copa final in Argentina.

The 52-year-old has now taken over a side still licking its wounds following a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the World Cup final in Brazil and is aiming to end la Albiceleste’s 22-year wait to win a major trophy.

Argentina – who have lost just one of their last 14 Copa América outings – are the favourites to be crowned champions this time around and will be out to make a statement of intent against Paraguay at the Estadio La Portada.

Sergio Agüero helped himself to a hat trick and Ángel Di María struck twice as Martino’s men hammered Bolivia 5-0 on Sunday in their final friendly ahead of the tournament.

Argentina has an embarrassment of riches in attack and Paraguay felt the force of its firepower the last time the two sides met two years ago, when Lionel Messi bagged a brace in a 5-2 victory.

Martino was in a positive mood ahead of Argentina’s opening fixture, assuring that they are in good shape for the game against a country he knows well.

“We arrive well and should have a very good tournament. I have no complaints whatsoever. Neither with the preparation, nor the arrival of the players.

“Without results we cannot live, but I must say that what interests me most today is the performance.

“Paraguayan football has always been characterised by its aerial game, but a lot more at this point.

“I know them well and I know the potential they have. We have to cover the strengths of the opponent and assert our own.”

Paraguay coach Ramón Díaz, meanwhile, is set to get his first experience of coaching in a major international tournament and said he has no plans to man-mark the imperious Messi.

His philosophy was backed by Nelson Haedo Valdez, who believes that taking on la Albiceleste in their opening fixture will either give la Albirroja – who have not lost a debut outing at any Copa since 1975 – a wake-up call or enable them to cause an upset.

“Marking Messi one-on-one is impossible. He’s the best,” he told a press conference.

“We know they will be very difficult due to the quality of their players, we will work as a team to fight together and surprise.

“I prefer to play against Argentina now. They will give us a slap so we know where we are or we will give them a surprise. If we have to face them, it is better to be in the opener.”

Argentina have had injury concerns over Fernando Gago, who suffered a muscle strain in training on Wednesday, and fellow midfielder Lucas Biglia (knee), but there are no such problems for la Albirroja.

Bron: ca2015.com