3 managers who could replace Sampaoli as Argentina coach

#1 MARCELO GALLARDO

A front-runner for the Argentina job?

Marcelo Daniel Gallardo is an Argentine former footballer and current manager of River Plate.

Gallardo demonstrated throughout his playing days that he was a superb creative outlet, possessing skills comparable to the likes of Andrea Pirlo, and this ability to see the match unfold in front of him would prove vital to his career as a manager.

Gallardo translates his knowledge of the game into a method of coaching that creates attacking football with a strong identity, defensive shape, and players willing to adhere to his tactical acumen.

In 2014, Gallardo took charge of River Plate, where he has enjoyed tremendous success.

“I was born to take on big challenges,” Gallardo said at his introductory press conference.

Gallardo's style of play was widely lauded by the Argentine press, with the team matching the club's all-time unbeaten record on 9 November with 32 undefeated games, losing to Estudiantes de La Plata three days later. Marcelo Gallardo remains the most successful coach at an international stage in the club's history, with a total of five official international titles.

The future is certainly bright for Gallardo, who has made use of advanced coaching techniques, a rare ability to bond with his players on and off the pitch, and his invaluable playing experience to craft out the early stages of what could result in Argentina’s next great coaching star.

Who do you think should replace Sampaoli? Let us know in the comments.