Two weeks after Maradona's death, another iconic Argentine coach dies
In this file picture taken on July 5, 2014 Argentina's coach Alejandro Sabella gestures during a quarter-final match between Argentina and Belgium at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Sabella, coach of the Argentine world runner-up in Brazil-2014, died on December 8, 2020 aged 66.
What you need to know:
- This comes barely two weeks after the country's iconic footballer Diego Maradona passed away.
- Maradona, one of the all-time greats, died on November 25.
- Sabella, who played for Leeds United and Sheffield United during his career as a midfielder, had picked up a virus while receiving treatment in a Buenos Aires clinic and his health deteriorated.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentine coach Alejandro Sabella, who led the national team to the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, has died at the age of 66 from cancer, local media reported on Tuesday.
This comes barely two weeks after the country's iconic footballer Diego Maradona passed away. Maradona, one of the all-time greats, died on November 25.
Sabella, who played for Leeds United and Sheffield United during his career as a midfielder, had picked up a virus while receiving treatment in a Buenos Aires clinic and his health deteriorated.
A former player and coach with Estudiantes, where he won the Argentine title as a player and the Copa Libertadores when the boss, the silky midfielder also played for Argentine giants River Plate, winning the league there too.
His coaching career was short, though, spending two years with Estudiantes and three more in charge of the national team.
But his tenure ended with a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the World Cup final as Lionel Messi failed to inspire Argentina to a third title.
As a coach he focused on the team ethic and was popular amongst his players.
And while Messi couldn't inspire his team to World Cup victory, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner scored the clincher against Sabella's Estudiantes team in 2009 in the Club World Cup final for a star-studded Barcelona coached by Pep Guardiola.
