Former Argentina World Cup coach hired by French club

Former Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli has been appointed at struggling French league side Rennes.

The fiery 64-year-old is returning to French soccer following a previous stint with Marseille.

Sampaoli, who was in charge of Argentina at the 2018 World Cup, replaces Julien Stephan, who was dismissed last week.

"This is a new stage that will require a lot of work. I accepted the offer because Stade Rennais FC is a great club, "Sampaoli said on Tuesday.

Rennes are looking for a jolt after a mediocre spell that saw them slump to 13th in the standings, one point above the relegation play-offs.

"He is a coach who is recognized internationally for his professionalism and humanism," said Arnaud Pouille, the executive chairman and managing director at Rennes. "We need his energy to get the club moving again and to face the competition with determination."

The much-travelled Sampaoli has also coached clubs in Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Spain and Brazil. He became Rennes' first foreign coach in 18 years.

He abruptly left Marseille in July 2022 after leading the team back to the Champions League, over a disagreement related to the club's transfers of players.