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Sampaoli loyal to Sevilla despite Argentina call

Reuters

Jorge Sampaoli won't leave his Sevilla post prematurely to take the Argentina job.

Appointed as Unai Emery's successor last month, Sampaoli confirmed the president of Argentina's Football Association (AFA) attempted to recruit him.

But Sampaoli, who already made five signings for the Andalusian club this summer, isn't willing to jump ship before taking sail.

"I had a call from the president of the (Argentine football) federation, but it would be irresponsible for me to leave Sevilla," the 56-year-old said, according to Sky Sports' Ed Hutson.

Sampaoli led Chile to its first major international title on home soil at the 2015 Copa America. He resigned in January after a breakdown in relations with Chile's football officials, and accepted the Sevilla gig in June.

The AFA is on a treacherous search for a manager at a time of great financial paralysis and amid allegations of corruption. FIFA put the AFA under the control of an appointed committee, while Luis Segura had to give up his seat as president of the federation. A new election is still on the agenda.

Related - Riquelme: 'They should ask Messi who he wants as coach of Argentina'

Gerardo Martino then stepped down as manager just before the start of the Olympics because of the country's football fracas.

Diego Simeone and Mauricio Pochettino highlighted a list of high-profile names linked to the vacancy. The Mirror's well-informed Spanish correspondent Ed Malyon understands the Atletico Madrid boss was even offered the opportunity to manage Argentina on a part-time basis.

The AFA, however, apparently cannot afford to fly to interview potential candidates.

Argentina's shootout loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America Centenario gave way to the crisis, which also included Lionel Messi's hasty decision to retire from international duty.

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