Sampaoli's dream which could see him end up as Barcelona coach

Sevilla manager Jorge Sampaoli has never hidden his passion for Barcelona star Lionel Messi. Ahead of his side’s Copa del Rey game against Real Madrid, he’s spoken of his desire to one day coach his fellow countryman. 

Sampaoli, who has been touted as a potential Barça manager following his success with Chile and Sevilla, told Goal: “I would love to coach Messi and get to see him every day, from the side of the field. 

“It's a unique opportunity to see the best player of the world up close. Today Messi is in great shape. Who wouldn't like to coach him? 

“If you make a player like Messi happy you have 95 per cent of the game done. It's like those days when [Diego] Maradona felt fine. It's hard to lose when Leo is fine.”

We don’t know if Sampaoli will complete this dream with the Argentina national team of Barcelona, but it’s evident that he wants to coach Messi, who has developed into a leader at the Catalan club. 

In an interview with Marca, Sampaoli was also asked about the chance of him succeeding Luis Enrique if the Asturian coach does not renew at Camp Nou. 

He responded: "It's speculation, rumours. Luis Enrique is a winner, he is respected and loved by the fans there. 

“If he leaves, there will an enormous list of candidates. It’s a long way away at the moment, although Sevilla’s good form means that people look at their coach. Nothing more.”