Sevilla have appointed Jorge Sampaoli as their new manager after the Spanish side confirmed that the former Chile coach has agreed a two-year deal with the Europa League champions to replace Unai Emery.
“Sevilla are counting on the best coach of America in 2015, who begins his first adventure in Europe,” Sevilla said.
The 56-year-old, out of a job since stepping down as Chile coach in January, lost out to Barcelona coach Luis Enrique for the 2015 FIFA World Coach of the Year award after making the three-man shortlist following his Copa America success.
Maradona urges Messi not to quit
Diego Maradona has called on compatriot Lionel Messi not to abandon international football after the Argentina captain announced he was quitting the national side following Sunday’s Copa America final defeat.
Maradona, captain of his country in the their second World Cup triumph in 1986, was among many leading personalities to speak out in support of Messi.
“Messi must carry on in the national team... because he still has a lot to give, because he’ll get to (2018 World Cup hosts) Russia with chances of being world champion,” Maradona said.
“He has to lean more on the lads who can help him take the team forward and less on those who say he should leave.”
Alves eyes CLeague success with Juve
Dani Alves has set his sights on winning the Champions League with Juventus after joining the Italian title winners from Barcelona.
The 33-year-old right-back conquered Europe three times during a trophy-laden eight years at the Nou Camp.
Now, having moved to Juventus Stadium on a two-year deal, the Brazilian wants to add more silverware to his collection.
“The club’s dream is to win the Champions League and I hope to help them achieve this,” he said.
“I can’t say exactly what Juventus require to win the Champions League. But we need to believe we can win it if we are to do so.
“My team-mates and I will give it our best shot.”
Robinson extends Burnley contract
Burnley goalkeeper Paul Robinson has signed a one-year contract extension to June 2017, the Premier League club said.
The 36-year-old joined the club in January but failed to make a first team appearance for the Championship-winning side, with manager Sean Dyche in-stead opting to start England international Tom Heaton.
“We are delighted to have Paul back on board,” Dyche said.
“He continues to work hard and his wealth of experience is beneficial to the team.”
Mane completes Liverpool move
Striker Sadio Mane has joined Liverpool on a long-term contract from Southampton, the Premier League club said.
The 24-year-old moved to Juergen Klopp’s side after two successful seasons at Southampton, netting 25 goals in 75 appearances in all competitions.
According to British media reports, the Senegalese forward has signed a five-year contract with Liverpool who paid £34 million for his services.
“It’s a club that has won a lot of trophies and has a big history,” Mane said.
“Now I am looking forward to meeting all the staff and my team-mates and starting the season.”
Joachim Loew tired of Bierhoff stories
Germany coach Joachim Loew will not be celebrating the 20th anniversary of his team’s golden goal over the Czech Republic in the Euro 1996 final, having heard the story far too many times from its scorer Oliver Bierhoff.
Asked whether there would be any celebrations or even a cake for current Germany team manager Bierhoff, who scored both goals in their 2-1 victory over the Czechs, Loew was quick to say: “No, no. There won’t be.
“I will be happy if I don’t hear that story on Thursday (tomorrow) as he constantly keeps telling it,” Loew said amid loud laughter from reporters.
“I think I will be avoiding him on that day.”
Hulk set to join Shanghai SIPG
Shanghai SIPG coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is set to sign Zenit SP striker Hulk for £45.7m – a record fee for an Asian club.
The fee has been agreed by the two clubs and the Brazil striker, 29, is expected in China this week to finalise the move.
Former England boss Eriksson is under pressure to improve results after slipping 12 points behind the Chinese Super League’s leaders Guangzhou Evergrande.
Hulk, who scored four goals for the Russian club in last season’s Champions League, was in the Brazil squad for the Copa America, but made just one appearance off the bench.