Jorge Sampaoli, newly appointed coach of Stade Rennais, has stirred up controversy on his first day in charge. During his official presentation, the Argentine manager, who signed a contract with the French club until 2026, surprised many Argentinians by claiming that the best football players in the world come from France and Brazil, leaving out Argentina, the current world champions and his own country. "The best players in the world come from France and Brazil. There's raw talent there," Sampaoli said, sparking a major uproar.

The coach from Casilda, who has coached in Brazil and France in recent years, explained that his decision to return to Ligue 1 was due to his admiration for the style of play in the French league. "I admire Ligue 1. I've kept watching it since I left Marseille. I like the way teams operate and their transitions," said the former Olympique de Marseille coach. At 64 years old, Sampaoli aims to revive a struggling Rennes team, currently sitting in 13th place in the league.

However, his comments did not go unnoticed in Argentina, where many saw his words as a lack of recognition for the recent achievements of Argentine football. For some, it was an unnecessary slight coming from someone who managed the national team in 2018. Sampaoli has always been a controversial figure, known for his complex relationship with his players and his tendency to make bold statements that often put him in the center of attention.

Known for his intense style and high standards, Sampaoli isn’t afraid to share opinions that may be unpopular. This time, with his remark about the "raw talent" in Brazil and France, the coach has once again shifted the focus to himself while facing a major challenge with Rennes in one of Europe's most competitive leagues.