Almost-official: Sampaoli to be named new Chile boss

Another key step has been realized in the process of naming Chile’s replacement for Claudio Borghi. Universidad de Chile and the ANFP came to an agreement about the payment of the exit clause in Jorge Sampaoli’s contract.

SANTIAGO — Chilean newspaper La Tercera reports that an agreement has been reached between the ANFP and Azul Azul over the payment of the US$1.1 million exit clause for Jorge Sampaoli to leave Universidad de Chile and take up the role as Chile’s national coach.

Sampaoli has agreed to the financial conditions offered by Chile’s national body. The Argentine coach has been a target of clubs in Brazil and Argentina as well as the United Arab Emirates national team.

Sampaoli led the azules to three consecutive domestic titles, as well as the 2011 Copa Sudamericana. The loss of stars such as Eduardo Vargas, Marcelo Díaz and Ángelo Henríquez has seen Sampaoli state regularly that he would not continue if the team could not compete at an international level.

Universidad de Chile’s most recent international outing was a thrashing at the hands of Sao Paulo, losing 7-0 on aggregate. It was a long way from the team that blasted every opposition in their way to lift the trophy the year before.

The change in the coaching box is likely to see some faces return to national duty, with Jorge Valdivia and Johnny Herrera among the names likely to make a return. Despite Sampaoli’s plan to bring Herrera into the squad, his plan involves retaining Claudio Bravo as captain and goalkeeper.

Fabián Orellana, Marco Estrada and Carlos Carmona could also see a return to the national squad.

Sampaoli is seen by many as the man to take over from Borghi. After three consecutive defeats in World Cup qualifiers, La Roja need to win to keep their hopes of reaching the World Cup in Brazil.

A US$1 million bonus will prove a key incentive for Sampaoli and his team to guide Chile to the World Cup.

Chileans everywhere rejoice

Great appointment. He's my son innit

I AM SO FKN HAPPY!

THANK YOU SERBIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-----------Bravo----------
----Medel-Rojas-Gonzalez---
Isla---Diaz-----Vidal-----Beasejour
------------Valdivia-----------------
----Alexis-------------Vargas------

DAT COUNTER ATTACK