Sampaoli and Simeone lead contenders to replace Bauza in Argentina

Argentina are on the hunt for a new coach after
sacking Edgardo Bauza on Monday.
Bauza coaxed Lionel Messi out of international
retirement after taking the helm in the wake of the
Copa America Centenario final defeat to Chile but
has lasted less than nine months in the job.
A 2-0 defeat – without the suspended Messi –
away at Bolivia in World Cup qualifying last month
left Argentina outside of the automatic spots for a
place in Russia.
The result piled the pressure on Bauza, who
managed just three wins in his eight games in
charge.
Automatic qualification for the 2018 World Cup
remains a distinct possibility for Argentina, but who
will the Argentine Football Association (AFA)
entrust with the job?
Jorge Sampaoli
Although it was Bauza who got the job last August,
Sampaoli was the man the AFA really wanted.
Despite having already agreed to take over Sevilla
from the 2016-17 season, Sampaoli was offered
the position after Gerardo Martino stepped down in
the wake of the Copa America Centenario final
defeat to Chile.
A sense of responsibility to fulfil his pledge to the
Andalusian club forced him to decline, but one
season later and with sporting director Monchi
heading for the exit he may well feel more
comfortable in making the move.
However, having led Sevilla into the knockout
stages of the Champions League and on a title
charge that has petered out in recent weeks, a
sense of unfinished business could encourage him
to remain.
Diego Simeone
Simeone has firmly established himself as one of
the leading coaches in world football in the past
few years, developing Atletico Madrid into a major
force in Spain and in continental competition.
After guiding Atleti to Europa League and Copa del
Rey glory, he broke Barcelona and Real Madrid's
LaLiga hegemony by lifting the domestic title in
2013-14 – though two Champions League final
defeats to Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016 will likely
still sting.
While Simeone has said he would prefer to manage
Argentina closer to the end of his career, a deal
that saw him shorten his contract at the Vicente
Calderon by two years means he will be available
in 2018 – making him a significantly cheaper
option than when the national team were last on
the hunt for a new coach.
Marcelo Gallardo
Gallardo was inexperienced when he took charge of
River Plate in 2014 but had an immediate impact
by helping his team to a 31-game unbeaten run
that included the Copa Sudamericana title.
That secured River – relegated for the first time in
2012 – a return to South America's top table in the
Copa Libertadores after an absence that stretched
back to 2009, and the young coach delivered the
trophy.
Although a league title continues to elude Gallardo,
his pedigree has been noted in Europe with the
likes of Atletico Madrid credited with an interest.
With an exit from El Monumental set for the end of
the year, the 41-year-old represents a simpler
option.
Jorge Almiron
After a largely unspectacular career mostly played
out in Mexico, Almiron has carved himself a
respectable managerial reputation.
The 45-year-old gained experience in his native
Argentina with Godoy Cruz and Independiente
before leading Lanus to the 2016 Primera Division
title, crushing San Lorenzo 4-0 in the final.
A coach of less stature than those mentioned
before, the AFA could look to him in a bid to avoid
the pressure that a high-profile name could send
back their way.
Marcelo Bielsa
The wildcard.
Bielsa is set to take the reins at Lille from next
season, but his two-day stint at Lazio proves he
has no qualms about abrupt changes in plan.
The AFA may well deem his fiery personality too
difficult to get a handle on