Argentina coach Sabella to step down
- adamhigginsuk
- Jul 12, 2014
- 1 min read
Chance to make history: Sabella, who replaced Sergio Batista in the hotseat three years ago, will hope to depart in a blaze of glory with victory in the World Cup final (Picture from Fifa.com)
ALEJANDRO Sabella will step down as Argentina coach after the 2014 World Cup - even if they win the tournament.
The South American nation reached their first World Cup final since 1986 after beating Holland on penalties in the semi-final on Wednesday.
But Sabella's agent has confirmed he will leave the post after Sunday's final against Germany at the Maracana, regardless of the result.
"He's going. He's leaving, whatever happens. Whether they are champions or not, a cycle is ending," Eugenio Lopez told local Argentina radio station FM Delta.
"To go at the top is always positive. I believe he gave everything to the national team and that now is the time to give way to another person."
Sabella, 59, who took over the reins in July 2011, has won 26 of his 40 matches in charge with a win percentage of 65 per cent.
It is understood his contract was due to run out at the end of the tournament anyway.
Sabella, who played for Sheffield United and Leeds, has only previously took charge of Estudiantes between 2009 and 2011 during which he won the Copa Libertadores.
But the Buenos Aires-born coach could now head back into club management and will hope to do so with a World Cup winners medal in his possession.
Last updated: 12 July 2014 11:32am
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