Copa flop costs Batista his Argentina job

Sergio Batista has been dismissed as Argentina coach following a disastrous Copa America in which a team of stars led by Lionel Messi managed only one victory.

Batista, who took over a year ago, was Argentina’s fourth coach in five years and had the same problem as his predecessor Diego Maradona: little tactical experience and an inability to get superstars to play as a team rather than as individuals.

His departure was announced on Monday.

Alejandro Sabella, former coach of Argentine club Estudiantes, and Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino — an Argentine — are seen as the favourites to replace him. Also being mentioned as a successor is former Boca Juniors and Atletico de Madrid coach Carlos Bianchi.