Jorge Sampaoli insists he is planning for next season with Sevilla but admits Monchi’s departure has provoked feelings of “emptiness and shock”.
Sampaoli has been linked with the Argentina post in the last few days, amidst mounting speculation that Edgardo Bauza will be sacked, but Sampaoli pledged not to abandon Sevilla and that there was life after Monchi, despite the sporting director’s legacy.
“I’ll give my ideas to the club and propose the players that I think are opportune,” the Coach said at a Press conference for Sunday’s visit of Sporting Gijon in La Liga.
“But personally, I’m more in favour of a change in the project, aspiring for more things. I’m in favour of raising the bar.
“I’ve met with the President twice this week, talking about what we want for next season, and next week we’ll continue working on the future.
“Signings? There’s already a structure in place for signings, but it’s true that we have the idea of continuing to strengthen the squad with young players.
“If in my first year we’ve fought for things, the idea is that we’ll push on in my second.
“Certainly I won’t have the power to choose the name of each signing, but we can target players that go with my idea or style of play.
“Argentina? I haven’t been called by anyone from the AFA and there’s a Coach still in work.
“I’m only bound to the game against Sporting. It’s a problem that they have to solve in Argentina.
“Monchi’s farewell? There will be a feeling of emptiness, but the club have to continue operating with the stature and prestige they have.
“The leaders are working hard to replace someone that has surely written himself into the club’s history as the best.
“His exit was a shock for the whole city.”
Sevilla (probable): Sergio Rico; Carrico, Pareja, Lenglet; Mariano, Nasri, N’Zonzi, Correa, Sarabia; Ben Yedder, Vitolo
Injuries/suspensions: Escudero (S) Carlos Fernandez, Mercado, Krohn-Dehli, Rami, Tremoulinas (all injured)
Sporting Gijon (probable): Cuellar; Lillo, Amorebieta, Babin, Canella; Vesga, Sergio Alvarez, Cases; Carmona, Traore, Burgui
Injuries/suspensions: Douglas (S) Mere (S) Afif, Cop, Moi, Viguera (all injured)
Referee: Vicandi Garrido
Form guide: Sevilla (L D D W W) Sporting (W D L L D)
Previous meeting: Sporting 1-1 Sevilla
Kick-off time: 11:00 BST/12:00 CET
