Jorge Sampaoli has been unveiled as the new Argentina manager and believes he has to build his side around star man Lionel Messi.
Sevilla confirmed the departure of Sampaoli late on Thursday, with the news having already broken of his move to the national team.
The La Liga club announced last week they had reached an agreement in principle with the Argentinian Football Association but set them a deadline of June 1 to complete all the necessary paperwork.
With that received on Thursday, Sampaoli was released from his contract and allowed to be formally announced as the new Argentina coach in a presentation at their training complex just outside Buenos Aires.
Speaking at his first press conference as manager, he was asked about the influence of Barcelona forward Messi in the team.
‘I had to face Messi [with both Chile and Sevilla],’ he said. ‘We want the world’s best player to feel happy being here.
‘The important thing is that Messi has compatible players. I spoke to him and he is very excited.’
Earlier in the day, a statement from Sevilla had read: ‘Jorge Sampaoli has left Sevilla FC definitively today after the documentation by which Sevilla is guaranteed the collection of the fixed amount in the termination clause of the Argentine coach was initiated.
‘Sevilla FC wishes luck and success to Jorge Sampaoli in his new professional career and appreciates the services provided in the 16/17 season, in which the team met the objectives of the campaign: earning fourth place in the league – with the second best total of its history – and surpassing the group phase of the Champions League.’
By Mail
