The high-profiled Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli has been negotiating a back door exit from the Chile national team as he is reportedly linked with Chelsea to take over their managerial post this summer.
New Football Federation of Chile (ANFP) president Arturo Salah has made it clear that the federation wants Sampaoli to respect his current contract as he admitted the Chile coach has already tried to succeed some deal to plan an early exit.
Sampaoli, who helped Chile to their first major trophy at the 2015 Copa America has said to be looking for an exit after former ANFP president Sergio Jadue resigned during a corruption investigation.
Some EPL clubs has shown interest on the 55-year-old Argentine tempting him for a managerial spell in English football, but Arturo Salah insists, Sampaoli should honour his contract and help Chile to succeed in the 2018 World Cup.
“Sampaoli has a contract and he will continue with us,” Salah said. “He has confirmed that he is hurt with everything that has happened.
“Sampaoli is wounded, and has been touched by everything that has happened recently. But we are hoping Sampaoli accompanies us to 2018.
“He is restless but we are enforcing a contract that both sides have to fulfil.”
Salah also confirmed their national team coach has made several attempts to negotiate an exit from his job, demanding a reduction of his exit clause.
“Sampaoli asked to lower his exit clause but we want him to respect his contract,” he added.
“We are searching for his continuity, the continuity of his contract that is signed and we want fulfilled. Sampaoli has not said he wants to continue.”
Guus Hiddink has been hired for a second spell in charge of Chelsea until the end of this campaign after Jose Mourinho was fired for a disastrous title defence this season.
The interim nature of the Dutch manager’s Chelsea return ignites rumours about who might be Mourinho’s successor from next season, with Jorge Sampaoli and his compatriot Diego Simeone among those believed to be in Chelsea owner Abramovich’s short list.