The list of candidates to take Chelsea's permanent coaching job added an illustrious yet unknown name in the European scene, as Argentine Jorge Sampaoli has been named as a potential successor for José Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
Sources indicate that Roman Abramovich, Chelsea's owner, is considering the South American tactician for the position, considering the kind of football his teams display. Currently coaching Chile's National Team, Sampaoli will hold talks with Chilean officers to decide his future with La Roja.
Sampaoli, who was also a candidate to replace flamboyant Mexican coach Miguel Herrera with El Tri, recently penned a new deal with the Chileans after winning the first-ever Copa América for them, with the help of Alexis Sánchez and Arturo Vidal.
Sampaoli's stats with Chile in both friendly and official matches.
A strong follower of Marcelo Bielsa, former Olympique Marseille and Athletic Bilbao coach, Sampaoli's deep pressing and aggressive football earned worldwide praise during the 2014 World Cup, when the Chileans defeated Spain and Australia to make it through to the Round of 16. Brazil ended up eliminating them after an excruciating penalty shootout.
One year later, the Argentine tactician led Chile to Copa América glory, winning four matches and drawing two, including the final game against Argentina. Alexis scored the game-winning penalty for La Roja that day.
Although merely a possibility, Sampaoli joins Simeone and Guardiola as another Spanish-speaking option for the Blues' bench, but he will only decide his future after January 4th, when he decides if he continues coaching Chile or not.
The South American boss shares a moment with Alexis Sánchez during the Copa América title celebrations for Chile.
