Argentina's Coach In 2018: Who Was It?

Alright, guys, let's dive into a bit of football history! Specifically, we're going to jog our memories back to 2018 and talk about the Argentina national team coach. It's always a hot topic, right? The coach can make or break a team's performance, especially on a stage as big as the World Cup. So, who was the main man calling the shots for Argentina in 2018?

The Rollercoaster Ride of Jorge Sampaoli

In 2018, the Argentina national team was under the guidance of Jorge Sampaoli. Sampaoli's appointment came with a lot of expectations. He had a reputation for being a tactically astute and innovative coach, known for his high-pressing, attacking style of play. Before taking the Argentina job, he had successful stints with clubs like Universidad de Chile and Sevilla, and he also led the Chile national team to victory in the 2015 Copa América, defeating Argentina in the final – a fact that added an extra layer of intrigue to his appointment.

However, Sampaoli's time with Argentina was, to put it mildly, tumultuous. Despite having a squad brimming with talent, including arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi, Argentina struggled to find consistency and a clear identity on the field. The team's qualification for the 2018 World Cup was far from smooth, and they only secured their place in the tournament in the final qualifying match.

The problems didn't end there. During the World Cup in Russia, Argentina faced numerous challenges. The team's performances in the group stage were underwhelming, including a shocking 1-1 draw against Iceland and a heavy 3-0 defeat to Croatia. There were reports of disagreements between Sampaoli and the players, with some suggesting that the players had lost faith in his leadership and tactics. Despite managing to scrape through to the knockout stage with a narrow 2-1 victory over Nigeria, Argentina's journey in the tournament came to an end in the round of 16 with a 4-3 loss to France, who would eventually go on to win the World Cup.

Sampaoli's tenure as Argentina coach was marked by tactical experimentation, a lack of clear direction, and an inability to get the best out of his talented squad. After the World Cup, he eventually parted ways with the Argentina national team, leaving behind a legacy of unfulfilled potential and disappointment. It was a period that many Argentina fans would probably prefer to forget, but it remains a significant chapter in the country's football history.

Why Sampaoli Was Chosen

So, why was Jorge Sampaoli handpicked to lead Argentina in the first place? Well, several factors were in play. First off, Sampaoli had built a solid reputation as a coach who championed an attacking and intense style of football. His previous successes, especially with the Chilean national team, showcased his ability to instill a winning mentality and get the best out of his players. Argentina, known for its rich footballing history and passionate fan base, was eager to return to the glory days, and Sampaoli's philosophy seemed like a good fit to revitalize the team.

Moreover, Sampaoli was seen as a tactical innovator, someone who could bring fresh ideas and strategies to the Argentina setup. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) hoped that his modern approach would help unlock the full potential of the squad, which boasted world-class players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, and Ángel Di María. The idea was to create a team that could dominate possession, press high up the pitch, and score goals with flair and creativity.

Another factor was Sampaoli's strong personality and leadership qualities. He was known for being a charismatic and demanding coach who wasn't afraid to make bold decisions. The AFA believed that he could handle the pressure of managing the national team and unite the players behind a common goal. However, as we've seen, things didn't quite pan out as expected.

While Sampaoli's appointment was met with optimism and excitement initially, his tenure was ultimately defined by inconsistency, tactical confusion, and a failure to connect with the players on a personal level. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't replicate the success he had achieved elsewhere, and Argentina's World Cup campaign in 2018 ended in disappointment.

The Aftermath and Lessons Learned

The departure of Jorge Sampaoli after the 2018 World Cup marked the end of a challenging chapter for the Argentina national team. The team and the AFA had to reflect on what went wrong and how to move forward. Several lessons were learned from this experience.

First and foremost, the importance of team cohesion and a clear tactical identity became evident. Argentina's struggles under Sampaoli highlighted the need for a well-defined game plan that all the players understand and believe in. A team of talented individuals doesn't necessarily translate into a successful team; there needs to be a collective understanding and a shared vision.

Secondly, the coach-player relationship is crucial. The reports of discord between Sampaoli and the players underscored the significance of mutual respect, trust, and open communication. A coach needs to be able to connect with the players on a personal level, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and create an environment where they feel valued and motivated.

Furthermore, the AFA learned the importance of patience and stability. Constantly changing coaches and tactical approaches can disrupt the team's progress and create uncertainty. It's essential to give a coach time to implement their ideas and build a team that can compete at the highest level.

In the years following Sampaoli's departure, Argentina has taken steps to address these issues. The appointment of Lionel Scaloni as coach has brought a sense of stability and unity to the team. Scaloni has focused on building a strong team spirit, developing a clear tactical plan, and empowering the players to take ownership of their roles. As a result, Argentina has achieved significant success, including winning the Copa América in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022, demonstrating the importance of learning from past mistakes and building a foundation for future success.

The Players' Perspective

It's super important to consider what the players themselves were thinking and feeling during Jorge Sampaoli's time as the coach. After all, they're the ones out on the field, executing the game plan and dealing with the pressure. It's been reported that many players felt a disconnect with Sampaoli's tactics and leadership style.

Rumors swirled that senior players, including Lionel Messi, had disagreements with Sampaoli over the team's formation and strategy. Some felt that the coach was too rigid in his approach and didn't adapt well to the changing circumstances during matches. Others felt that he didn't give them enough freedom to express their creativity and individual skills.

Of course, it's tough to know exactly what went on behind closed doors, but it's clear that there was a lack of harmony within the squad. When players don't fully buy into the coach's vision, it can lead to a breakdown in communication, a lack of confidence, and ultimately, poor performances on the pitch.

Looking back, it's easy to see that the players' perspective is a crucial piece of the puzzle. A successful coach needs to be able to connect with the players, earn their trust, and create an environment where they feel supported and empowered. Without that, even the most talented team can struggle to reach its full potential.

Sampaoli's Tactical Approach

Let's break down Jorge Sampaoli's tactical approach during his time as Argentina's coach. He was known for his high-pressing, attacking style of play, often employing a 4-3-3 formation. The idea was to win the ball back quickly in the opponent's half and create scoring opportunities through fast, fluid movements.

However, Sampaoli's tactical approach was often criticized for being too rigid and predictable. Opponents were able to anticipate Argentina's moves and effectively shut down their attacks. The team also struggled to defend against counter-attacks, as their high-pressing style left them vulnerable at the back.

Another issue was Sampaoli's constant tinkering with the lineup and formation. He seemed unable to settle on a consistent starting XI, which led to a lack of cohesion and understanding among the players. This made it difficult for the team to develop a clear identity and build momentum.

While Sampaoli's tactical ideas were ambitious and innovative, they ultimately proved to be ineffective in the context of the Argentina national team. His inability to adapt his approach to the strengths and weaknesses of his players contributed to the team's struggles on the field.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Jorge Sampaoli was the coach of Argentina in 2018, a period filled with high expectations and, ultimately, disappointment. His tenure serves as a reminder that even the most talented teams need strong leadership, clear tactics, and a united spirit to succeed. While Argentina's journey in 2018 didn't end as fans had hoped, it provided valuable lessons that have helped shape the team's future success. And that's football for you – always full of surprises, challenges, and opportunities for growth!