Sampaoli has been linked with a number of top European clubs ever since guiding Chile to Copa America win in 2015. However, he returned to international duty with Argentina after a one-off season in Spain with Sevilla. However, his return hasn’t been all smooth sailing what with the Albiceleste unconvincingly qualifying for the 2018 World Cup and being blasted by pundits including Diego Maradona.
Relentless pressing and a fluid attacking line is part of Sampaoli’s style of play and he has been quite aptly compared to Argentine tactical genius Marcelo Bielsa. However, he is yet to get this Argentine team dance to his tunes and the World Cup could make or break his career as Argentina manager. While the attacking options consisting of Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuaín and Ángel Di María is mouthwatering, the defensive options available to the coach is rather lightweight which could ultimately lead to their undoing in Russia.