Jorge Sampaoli’s turbulent time as Flamengo manager has finally come to an end. Four days after losing to San Pablo in the final of the Brazilian Cup , the Rio de Janeiro club reported through social networks that the Argentine will not continue leading the team.
According to Globo Esporte , the board of directors of the red and black institution held a meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes to communicate the decision to the coach, whose job seemed at risk for months. For the interruption of the link, the “Mengao” would have to pay a high fine.
READ MORE
++ Under pressure: Al Hilal president backs coach Jorge Jesus
++ Is James Rodríguez bothered about being a substitute at Sao Paulo?
++ Vinicius Junior in a skill challenge with a NFL star
How much should Flamengo pay Sampaoli for firing him?
Because his contract lasted until December 2024, Flamengo would have to pay Sampaoli 1.8 million euros, according to Globo information . Although the agreement established that the termination clause was 2.5 million, that amount would be reduced for each day worked. The former Argentina coach had taken office on April 17.
O Clube de Regatas do Flamengo informa que o treinador Jorge Sampaoli e sua comissão técnica não comandam mais o elenco rubro-negro. A direção agradece ao profissional e deseja sorte na continuidade da carreira. #CRF
— Flamengo (@Flamengo) September 28, 2023
Sampaoli in Flamengo: problems on and off the field
Sampaoli’s cycle in Rio de Janeiro left much to be desired, not only because of the team’s poor performance on the field of play, but also because of the problems that were generated on the outside. In strictly football terms, the former Sevilla strategist failed: Flamengo was left out of the Copa Libertadores in the round of 16 , lost in the final of the domestic cup and, after 24 games, was 11 points behind leader Botafogo in the Brasileirao.
The Argentine was never able to give his players the expected performance and never found a system that gave results: he used 39 different formations in the same number of coached games. In total, he accumulated 20 wins, 11 draws and eight losses.
Furthermore, his stay at the club was marked by several controversial situations off the field. Pablo Hernández, one of his physical trainers, was denounced by Pedro after hitting him in the mouth in July. The following month, Gerson and Guillermo Varela had an altercation in training. As if that were not enough, Arturo Vidal targeted the coach after leaving for Athletico Paranaense. Likewise, in Brazil there was talk of a distant relationship between Sampaoli’s coaching staff and the leadership.
Now, Mário Jorge will take charge of Flamengo on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is appointed. Tite appears to be a great candidate, but his idea would be to take the reins only in 2024.
