Troubled Sevilla FC bring in Sampaoli to replace Lopetegui

Sevilla, Spain, Oct 6 (EFE).- Struggling Sevilla FC have appointed Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli to replace Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked following the Spanish team’s 1-4 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, the club confirmed Thursday.

It is Sampaoli’s second stint with the Andalusians having guided the first team in the 2016/17 campaign, when he finished fourth before departing to manage the Argentina national team ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Argentine joins until 2024 from Olympique Marseille, who last season finished second in Ligue 1 and made the semi-finals of the Uefa Conference League.

Earlier on Thursday, Lopetegui bid farewell to Sevilla at a press conference, where he underlined his close relationship with the club.

“The best thing someone can take with them is the recognition and friendship of many of you, which is sincere and forever, and the respect of my players and my fans,” he said.

The former Spain and Real Madrid manager joined Sevilla in 2019 and went on to win the Europa League.

Since then, Sevilla has finished 4th in LaLiga each season under Lopetegui but have got off to a dismal start this year and currently languish in 17th, just one point above the relegation zone. EFE

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