BUENOS AIRES: Sergio Batista has been dismissed as Argentina coach following a disastrous Copa America in which a team of stars led by Lionel Messi managed only one victory.
Batista, who took over a year ago, was Argentina’s fourth coach in five years and had the same problem as his predecessor Diego Maradona: little tactical experience and an inability to get superstars to play as a team rather than as individuals.
“Batista has ceased to be the national team coach,” Ernesto Cherquis Bialo, spokesman for the Argentine Football Association, said on Monday.
Alejandro Sabella, former coach of Argentine club Estudiantes, and Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino – an Argentine – are seen as the favorites to replace him. Also being mentioned as a successor is former Boca Juniors and Atletico de Madrid coach Carlos Bianchi.
Cherquis Bialo said a new coach would be named in a week.
Argentina’s prestige has plunged with the constant coaching turnover, leaving them without a major title in 18 years. It has been 25 years since Argentina won the last of its two World Cup titles. (Agencies)
