Jorge Sampaoli alleged that he wants to quit as manager of Chile, but is being held hostage by the national team. There are also rumors that he is considering taking a job at Chelsea.
In summer 2015, Sampaoli, 55, led the Chilean national team to win the Copa America. He significantly enhanced his reputation after the victory, as well as his impressive campaign at the 2014 World Cup, to be shortlisted for the 2015 FIFA World Coach of the Year, alongside Luis Enrique of Barcelona and Pep Guardiola of Bayern Munich. Daily Mail wrote that there were talks that the Argentine was contemplating moving to Samford Bridge, after Jose Mourinho was taken and GuusHiddink was appointed as interim head until the end of the season. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is currently looking for a suitable replacement for Mourinho and included Sampaoli in their potential candidates. His Copa America achievement drew the attention of Swansea and Roma, in particular.
Bleacher Report revealed that Sergio Jadue, ex-president of Football Federation of Chile (ANFP), resigned during a corruption investigation in November 2015. Jadue pleaded guilty to corruption charges linked to the FIFA scandal. In effect, Sampaoli currently feels that he is being held hostage by the new president, Arturo Salah. Salah previously mentioned that he wanted to keep Sampaoli until 2018, when his manager’s contract with the team expires. Sports Illustrated wrote that the Argentine was hired late in 2012 by Jadue. He reportedly will have to pay a penalty of $6 million if he leaves Chile.
When Jadue resigned, details of Sampaoli’s contract were presented, which according to him, placed his reputation in a bad light and that he was unfairly involved to the corruption charges that Jadue pleaded guilty to.
"In this environment I don't want to work, or even live, in the country anymore. I thought Salah understood and would let me leave. I was surprised at his decision to hold me hostage against my will. I am frankly disappointed and in these conditions I cannot continue coaching when my mind is elsewhere,” Sampaoli told La Tercera.
If Sampaoli proceeds with his rumored plans, he might be managing a Premiere League team in the following season. DonBalon revealed that Sampaoli told Abramovich that Chelsea also has to acquire Alex Sanchez if he were to coach the team.
More updates and details on Jorge Sampaoli and his professional future are expected soon.
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