“I’m not sure if he drank a couple of glasses wine before saying such thing” those were the words from Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes in response to Jorge Sampaoli’s rather less pleasant remark about Germany and its football. I must say that Don Sampa may have gone a bit off the stretch with such statement.
Sampaoli has been managing clubs in Peru and Ecuador but found his breakthrough in Chile after taking over Universidad de Chile. This leads him to the Chilean national team managerial post in 2012. He spearheaded La Roja’s golden generation to their first ever silverware at the 2015 Copa America on home soil.
Since then, he has been regarded as one of the top managers in world football. Often compared to Marcelo Bielsa, as one of his disciples; football fans have romanticized the idea of him taking over Argentina. eBut managing La Albiceleste has been a different ball game altogether. Since taking over from Edgardo Bauza, he has come under tremendous pressure from the demanding Argentine public.
Argentina had to endure one of the worst qualifiers since COMNEBOL introduce the current round robin format. This campaign alone has seen the managerial post changed change three different occasions. Not to forget in Messi's absence (either through suspension or injury), the team only managed to collect 7 from a possible 21 points. Following the 2-0 loss to Bolivia in the altitude of La Paz, Bauza was relieved of his duties.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has also undergone a tremendous crisis. But once things start to normalize, the first priority was to coax Sampaoli from La Liga side, Sevilla. In May, he was officially appointed to the hottest seat in Argentine football.
For Sampaoli, this was his dream job. His arrival brought an immediate breath of fresh air to the squad selection. The most notable inclusion was Mauro Icardi who for some reason in the past was left out of the team despite his club form. Other names that were received with a big welcome were Leandro Peredes, Alejandro Gomez, Manuel Lanzini, Marcus Acuna, Federico Fazio and Eduardo Salvio.
With such mega shake-up in the Argentine’s squad, there was a huge anticipation in the Sampaoli’s era. But the change of fortune didn't happen too soon as after three consecutive draws, Argentina was facing elimination. Victory finally came in the last round against Ecuador thanks to a hat-trick from none other than Messi.
One of the main challenges for Sampaoli’s is to find a balance in the starting line-up that will bring the best out of Messi. His initial plan to play a three-man forward of Messi, Icardi and Paulo Dybala hasn't bear the fruit that many expected. Icardi has been stagnant at times and has looked toothless in front of goal for Argentina. Dybala claims because of his game which similar to Messi, hasn’t allowed him to flourish when both are on the field.
This force Sampaoli to hand over the No.9 role to Darío Benedetto but the Boca Juniors hotshot is likely to be out of the World Cup following an injury. Sergio Aguero is another possible option for whilst Gonzalo Higuain, has yet to earn Sampaoli's trust.
Part of the problem in Argentine set up is the deprived a creativity in the midfield area. The lack of a cohesive link with the attack as often force Messi to drop deep and that hasn't helped the team caused at all.
Angel Di Maria's erratic form has raised some questions why is he still considered a starter for the national team. While there is potential in the likes of Papu Gomez, Emiliano Rigoni, Salvio, Peredes, Diego Perotti, Lanzini, Enzo Perez; Sampaoli still has yet to find the right formula to make them work.
The defence too has been a problem with Sampaoli's preference to play a back three with Nicolas Otamendi and Javier Mascherano being the most notable starters. However, the lack of pace when dealing with counter attacks could expose their frailty when it matters.
Now that the passage to Russia is secured, Sampaoli will have his plate full between now until June next year. Following the recent World Cup draw, Argentina was seeded in Group D alongside Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria; making this one of the toughest group in the tournament.
On paper, Croatia is a talented side with a better midfield set up and are more than capable of giving Argentina a run for their money. The likes of Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Nikola Kalinic could spell trouble for Sampaoli's team.
Iceland has proven that their Euro 2016 fairytale run is no fluke and will have plenty of their Viking spirit to carry them in Russia. Besides, being a debutant at the World Cup means that there will be less pressure on them, a luxury that Argentina will never have.
Nigeria and Argentina will continue their football journey at the World Cup after being grouped together on four different occasions before this. This time they will be oozing with confidence following their 4-2 in a Messi-less friendly in Krasnodar.
Argentina will definitely need to dig deep if they were to make it out of this group stage. Based on current form, it raises a lot of doubts on the team's ability to play as a cohesive unit rather than depending on Messi to carry them to the knockout stage.
To be fair with Sampaoli, he still requires time to find his ideal team considering the circumstances when he took over was arguably one Argentina's troubled period. With Messi who was just hit the 3.0 age barrier, the World Cup in Russia is likely to be his last ever chance to deliver something for his country. And for him and Argentina to stand a chance of lifting the cup come July next year, Sampaoli needs to start working on this right now.
