Argentina's Coach In 2018: Who Was It?

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was a rollercoaster for Argentina, filled with drama, unexpected results, and plenty of talking points. One of the biggest questions surrounding the team was, of course, who was at the helm? Let's dive deep into the story of Argentina's coach in 2018 and explore the context, challenges, and ultimate outcome of his tenure.

The Man in Charge: Jorge Sampaoli

In 2018, the responsibility of managing Argentina's national team fell on the shoulders of Jorge Sampaoli. Appointed in June 2017, Sampaoli was seen as a tactical innovator, known for his high-pressing, attacking style of play. His previous successes with Universidad de Chile and the Chilean national team had earned him a reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking coach. Argentine fans had high hopes that he would bring a similar brand of exciting and effective football to the Albiceleste.

Sampaoli's appointment came at a crucial time. Argentina had been struggling in their World Cup qualifying campaign, and there was a real risk that they might miss out on the tournament altogether. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) hoped that Sampaoli's arrival would provide the spark needed to turn things around. He inherited a team brimming with talent, including arguably the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi, but one that lacked cohesion and a clear tactical identity.

One of Sampaoli's first tasks was to navigate the remaining qualifying matches. The pressure was immense, with the entire nation expecting nothing less than a place at the World Cup. After a nervy campaign, Argentina secured their qualification in the final match against Ecuador, thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick. This victory bought Sampaoli some time and breathing room, but the underlying issues within the team remained.

As the World Cup approached, Sampaoli experimented with different formations and players, searching for the right formula. However, his constant changes and perceived lack of a clear plan led to growing criticism from fans and the media. Despite the doubts, there was still a sense of optimism that Argentina, with Messi in their ranks, could make a deep run in the tournament.

World Cup Woes: Performance and Challenges

The 2018 World Cup in Russia was nothing short of a disappointment for Argentina and Jorge Sampaoli. The team's performance was inconsistent, and they struggled to find their rhythm throughout the tournament. The opening match against Iceland set the tone, with Argentina drawing 1-1 after Messi missed a penalty. This result immediately put Sampaoli under pressure, and questions were raised about his tactics and team selection.

The second match against Croatia was even more disastrous. Argentina suffered a 3-0 defeat, with a series of defensive errors and a lack of attacking ideas contributing to the loss. The performance was widely criticized as one of Argentina's worst in World Cup history. The defeat left Argentina on the brink of elimination, and Sampaoli's position as coach was hanging by a thread. Rumors began to circulate about a potential player revolt and a breakdown in the relationship between the coach and the squad.

In the final group match against Nigeria, Argentina managed to secure a narrow 2-1 victory, thanks to a late goal from Marcos Rojo. The win secured their place in the knockout stage, but the performance was far from convincing. The team still looked disjointed and lacked a clear sense of direction. Despite the victory, Sampaoli's tactical decisions continued to be questioned.

Argentina's World Cup journey came to an end in the round of 16 against France. In a thrilling but ultimately disappointing match, they lost 4-3. The game was filled with moments of brilliance, particularly from France's Kylian Mbappé, but Argentina's defensive vulnerabilities were once again exposed. The defeat marked the end of Sampaoli's tenure as Argentina coach, and the team returned home to face heavy criticism.

Throughout the World Cup, Sampaoli faced numerous challenges. One of the biggest was his inability to find the right balance in the team. He constantly tinkered with his lineup and formation, never settling on a consistent approach. This lack of stability made it difficult for the players to develop an understanding and cohesion on the field. Additionally, there were reports of tension between Sampaoli and senior players in the squad, which further undermined his authority.

Tactical Approach and Criticisms

Jorge Sampaoli's tactical approach was centered around a high-pressing, attacking style of play. He wanted his team to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities through quick passing and movement. However, this approach often failed to translate into results on the field. One of the main criticisms of Sampaoli's tactics was his inability to adapt to different opponents and situations. He often stuck to his preferred style of play, even when it was clear that it wasn't working.

Another criticism was his team selection. Sampaoli frequently made surprising choices, often leaving out key players or playing them in unfamiliar positions. This led to a lack of consistency and made it difficult for the team to build any momentum. His constant changes also created a sense of uncertainty among the players, who were never quite sure of their roles in the team.

Sampaoli's communication skills were also called into question. He often struggled to articulate his ideas clearly, and his messages sometimes got lost in translation. This led to confusion among the players, who were unsure of what he expected from them. Additionally, his emotional and sometimes erratic behavior on the touchline drew criticism from fans and the media.

Despite his tactical shortcomings, Sampaoli did have some positive qualities. He was a passionate and dedicated coach who genuinely cared about his players. He was also willing to take risks and try new things, which is a valuable trait in a coach. However, his inability to address the team's fundamental problems ultimately led to his downfall.

The Aftermath: Sampaoli's Departure and Legacy

Following Argentina's disappointing performance at the 2018 World Cup, Jorge Sampaoli's departure was inevitable. He left his position shortly after the tournament, bringing an end to a tumultuous and ultimately unsuccessful tenure. His time in charge was marked by inconsistency, tactical confusion, and a failure to get the best out of a talented squad.

Sampaoli's legacy as Argentina coach is a mixed one. On the one hand, he is remembered for his bold and attacking style of play, which was a refreshing change from the more conservative approaches of some of his predecessors. He also deserves credit for guiding Argentina to the World Cup, after a difficult qualifying campaign. However, his failure to deliver results on the biggest stage will always be a stain on his record.

After leaving Argentina, Sampaoli went on to coach Santos in Brazil, where he enjoyed some success. He later returned to Europe to manage Sevilla in Spain, before taking charge of Marseille in France. While he has continued to work as a coach, his time with Argentina remains a significant chapter in his career.

For Argentina, the search for a new coach began immediately after Sampaoli's departure. The AFA was determined to find someone who could restore pride in the national team and lead them to future success. The appointment of Lionel Scaloni as the new coach marked the beginning of a new era for Argentine football.

In conclusion, Jorge Sampaoli's tenure as Argentina coach in 2018 was a period of great expectation and ultimate disappointment. His failure to find the right formula and his tactical shortcomings led to a poor performance at the World Cup, and his departure was inevitable. While he had some positive qualities, his time in charge will be remembered as a missed opportunity for Argentine football. The 2018 World Cup serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of stability, clear communication, and a well-defined tactical plan in achieving success at the highest level.