The Argentina Football Association (AFA) has denied reports that it has begun negotiations to appoint a new manager following the departure of Jorge Sampaoli. Sampaoli, who took over last summer, left his job two weeks after the World Cup round-of-16 defeat to France. Reports this week claimed the AFA had approached Colombia’s former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman, whose contract with Los Cafeteros expires in August. Peru coach Ricardo Gareca is also reported to be a contender.
“Following Jorge Sampaoli’s exit, AFA informs that up to now we have not begun any type of procedures nor have we spoken to any coach,” the AFA said in a statement. “On July 31, at an executive committee meeting, the management will evaluate the next steps to take.” AFA vice-president Daniel Angelici, meanwhile, has spoken highly of both Pekerman and Alejandro Sabella, another ex-Argentina coach.
“I like Perkerman,” Angelici said. “He is a man who has a good CV. But I also like Sabella … people who have been there and have shown they are capable. But right now it’s not the time to throw names out there, it’s a time to sit down and calmly see where we went wrong in the past 10 years.” Meanwhile, the AFA has said former Argentina international Lionel Scaloni will guide the under-20 national team at the L’Alcudia tournament later this month.
Peru’s World Cup coach Ricardo Gareca is the No. 1 candidate to take the Argentina reins following the sacking of Jorge Sampaoli, according to media reports in the country. Argentina narrowly got out of the group stage during the World Cup before being eliminated in the round of 16 by eventual champions France. Under Sampaoli, Argentina won seven, drew four and lost four of their 15 games.
AFA president Claudio Tapia is reportedly in no hurry to name Argentina’s fourth coach in four years. Gareca, who led Peru to their first World Cup appearance in 36 years, is currently out of contract. Peru suffered a group exit in Russia but the country’s football federation (FPF) are hoping to convince the former Argentina international to sign a new four-year contract. Gareca, 60, recently said guiding Argentina would be “alluring to anyone.”
Tapia’s preferred choice is Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino, according to Clarin newspaper. Pochettino, Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone and River Plate’s Marcelo Gallardo have been linked to the position in recent weeks but each is under contract with his club and unlikely to leave.
That is not the only reason why the Argentine trio would turn down the chance to guide the Albiceleste, according to sources who claim: “It’s not only because they are consolidated from a working standpoint at Atletico Madrid, Tottenham and River, respectively, but because for some years now they have observed from a distance this folly film. Would they want to get involved in a stage so disconcerting and crazy? No.”
Former Argentina international Matias Almeyda is also a candidate, according to Clarin. The 44-year-old is a free agent after leaving Mexican side Guadalajara shortly after winning the 2018 edition of the CONCACAF Champions League. Jose Pekerman’s name is emerging as a contender, with the Argentinian’s contract with Colombia, whom he coached to the round of 16 at the World Cup, expiring in August. Pekerman guided Argentina in the 2006 World Cup and could be convinced to return.Argentina will play friendlies against Guatemala and Colombia in the United States in September.
Diego Simeone is the hottest coach out of Argentina at the moment because of what he’s done from Atletico Madrid, turning them into a power in Spain, lifting a club from a long spell of mediocrity. He’s defensive minded and elite at coaching how to pressure, which will be key to Argentina’s future, but he was offered the job two years ago and declined, so he’s unlikely to take it now with Lionel Messi’s future uncertain.Him in charge of Argentina will be a dream come true.