According to the local media, Argentina legend Jorge Burruchaga was asked to step in as Sampaoli's replacement for their next match against Nigeria, which could be their last game at the World Cup.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) would have to pay around 20 million euros (over $23 million) to Jorge Sampaoli if they were to sack him as the national team's head coach, the Spanish media reported.
"Sacking Sampaoli would be likely to cost the AFA — which is already paying off former Argentina bosses Gerardo Martino and Edgardo Bauza — just under 20 million euros," the Spanish daily AS reported.
Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli: "Cristiano Ronaldo has
— A. (@BabkidCule) 22 июня 2018 г.
the team to help him — Lionel Messi doesn't" pic.twitter.com/iod7rPlAxY
Fans outraged after the defeat of the team.
When I meet Jorge Sampaoli pic.twitter.com/NzlqQaEekz
— #13 (@ZizouHuweidi) 21 июня 2018 г.
— Miriti Murungi (@NutmegRadio) 21 июня 2018 г.
— SuCcEsS…..🙏 (@EMEXBEST) 21 июня 2018 г.
Argentina, who finished as runners-up at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and reached the quarter-finals at the two previous tournaments, are on the verge of missing out on the knockout stage in Russia after suffering a 3-0 loss to Croatia on Thursday.
The South American side, who have only one point after their two group-stage games, are now in danger of missing out on a place in the round of 16.
READ MORE: Croatia Overwhelms Argentina 3-0 in a Key Group Game at FIFA World Cup
Argentina will face Nigeria in their third Group D game at the St. Petersburg Stadium on June 26.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 14 and will continue until July 15, with the matches being played in 11 cities across Russia.
