Former Leeds United player and Argentina head coach Alejandro Sabella dies aged 66

Alejandro 'Alex' Sabella spent one season with Leeds United in 1980 before managing the Argentina national team later in his career.
By Joe Urquhart
Published 8th Dec 2020, 20:39 BST
Updated 8th Dec 2020, 21:06 BST
Alex Sabella in action for Leeds United. Pic: Varley Picture AgencyAlex Sabella in action for Leeds United. Pic: Varley Picture Agency
Alex Sabella in action for Leeds United. Pic: Varley Picture Agency

Former Leeds United player Alejandro Sabella has passed away at the age of 66.

The ex-Argentina head coach guided his country to the 2014 World Cup final and had been in hospital since late November.

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Sabella spent one season at Elland Road in 1980, making 27 appearances and scoring two goals after joining from Yorkshire neighbours Sheffield United having made the switch from River Plate two years prior.

A tweet by the Argentine Football Association read: "The family of the #LigaProfesional football @AFA deeply regrets the death of Alejandro Sabella, and accompanies all his loved ones in this sad moment."

Sabella left the Whites to move home and join Estudiantes in 1981, before eventually hanging up his boots in 1989.

He later guided the Argentine club to the Copa Libertadores title as manager in 2009 before a three-year spell in charge of Argentina which culminated in defeat to Germany in the World Cup final in Brazil.

Related topics:Sheffield UnitedYorkshireElland Road

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