Samp: AFA interest ‘has to wait’

Jorge Sampaoli has confirmed for the first time the Argentina FA’s interest in him coaching the national team, but the move ‘will have to wait’.

The former Coach of Chile, Sampaoli’s contract with the Europa League holders expires in June 2018 but he is reported to be the AFA’s leading choice to replace the sacked Edgardo Bauza.

"I know that there is an interest, because to deny it would be to lie to all of you,” Sampaoli said ahead of his side’s clash against Granada on Friday night.

"I know they say that I'm the chosen one, but they [the AFA] will have to wait until the time is right in order to do it in a manner that doesn't damage anyone.

"To do it right now would be to hurt Sevilla, and I'm not going to allow that to happen.

"I know there is a real intention, but when the time comes to have a dialogue with the AFA president [Claudio Tapia], most likely the message will be that, until the end of the season, I cannot meet with anyone because my head is focused here.

"Just as a player has a right to leave if his release clause is paid, so does a coach.

"I have to wait and see what Sevilla's intentions are. The president [Jose Castro] told me that he will talk to me after our last six games."

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