Sampaoli coy on reports he could replace Luis Enrique

Jorge Sampaoli says reports claiming he could be Luis Enrique’s successor are just speculation, although he refused to rule out one day coaching Barcelona. 

Luis Enrique is out of contract in the summer and has not yet committed to Barça for next season, leading to stories about who could replace him if he were to leave. 

Sevilla coach Sampaoli, along with Ernesto Valverde and Ronald Koeman, are some of the early candidates. 

"It's speculation, rumours,” the Chilean coach said in an interview with Marca. “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.”

Sampaoli was equally as elusive when asked if he sees himself still in charge at Sevilla next season. 

“I don't know," he responded. “You never know. I'm happy here, I fight for things, I have synergy with the sporting director [Monchi].”

But what if Monchi leaves? “I don't know. Right now he is here. We will see what happens in the future.”