Alejandro Sabella

Alejandro Sabella (born 5 November 1954) is an Argentine football manager and former player. He is currently the coach of the Argentina national football team.

Playing career

Early career

Sabella rose through the junior divisions of River Plate in the early 1970s, when his position of attacking midfielder was covered by Norberto Alonso. His style reflected Alonso's, with emphasis on individual technique and short passes. His slow pace gained him the nickname of Pachorra (lunfardo Spanish for "slowcoach"). In 1975, River Plate won their first title after a 18-year drought, and Alonso became the fans' undisputed hero. Sabella got his break in 1976, when Alonso was transferred to Olympique Marseille. He played a key role when River won the 1977 Metropolitano championship. Nevertheless, when Alonso returned to River Plate, Sabella was again relegated to the bench.

Move to England

English club Sheffield United had tried to sign the teenage Diego Maradona from Argentinos Juniors, which did not accept the £400,000 United were offering. Therefore, Sheffield turned to Sabella, and they signed him for £160,000 on July 19, 1978. He made his debut for "the Blades" against Leyton Orient on 19 August 1978.

Sabella played for United until 1980, scoring 8 league goals in 76 appearances. After...
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