Former Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli takes over at French club Rennes

By The Associated Press

FILE - Coach Jorge Sampaoli of Brazil's Flamengo reacts during a Copa Libertadores round of 16 second leg soccer match against Paraguay's Olimpia at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug.10, 2023. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File )[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jorge Saenz]

RENNES (AP) — Former Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli is taking over at French league side Rennes. The 64-year-old is returning to French soccer following a previous stint with Marseille. Rennes says Sampaoli has signed a 1 1/2-year contract. Sampaoli replaces Julien Stephan, who was dismissed last week. Rennes is looking for a jolt after a mediocre spell that saw the team slump to 13th place in the standings, 18 points behind leader Paris Saint-Germain. Sampaoli was in charge of Argentina at the 2018 World Cup.