The dust still hasn’t settled on Argentina’s insipid World Cup performance, but it would be a surprise to see Jorge Sampaoli still in the job this time next year.
Though AFA (Argentinian Football Association) can’t really afford to sack him, and despite the organisation being beset by problems which include, but are absolutely not limited to chopping and changing coaches willy nilly, the albiceleste are in desperate need of the top level organiser that Sampaoli appears not to be.
He’s still insisting that, given time, he is the right man for the job, but if dressing room demeanour is anything to go by, the former Sevilla coach will be saying goodbye sooner rather than later.
The question is who can replace him?
Mario Kempes, Argentina’s hero in the 1978 World Cup, has already thrown his hat into the ring, but given that he hasn’t coached since 2002 (Casarano Calcio his last club), and never at the highest level, he can be discounted.
Perhaps his profile as a pundit needs raising for there can be no other reason why the broadcaster would potentially appear interested.
At this point in time, there’s no need to look further than Diego Simeone.
No one is suggesting that prising him from Atletico Madrid is going to be an easy task, but he is the perfect candidate for the job.
A studious tactician, he would implement the systems the national team players crave, and as an ex-player himself at that level, Simeone understands the nature of responsibility that comes with wearing the shirt perfectly.
We’ve seen how he lives and breathes football so many times on the touchline, and that type of intensity rubs off on his playing staff. All will go to war for him without any questions asked.
Whilst one can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, Simeone at least has the intelligence and nous to understand exactly what is needed for the Albiceleste to find themselves atop world football once more.
There aren’t many better coaches around to match his in-game ability to assess any given situation either and, if necessary, make the formational or personnel changes which, ultimately, can win his side the game.
With almost total respect from those who work for him, the buy-in at national team level wouldn’t be expected to cause any ripples.
Having served a wonderful apprenticeship, it’s time for El Cholo to spread his wings and bring the glory days back to Argentina.
