Estudiantes' Sabella tenders resignation

Estudiantes' Sabella tenders resignation

Published Feb. 2, 2011 7:01 p.m. ET

Alejandro Sabella has tendered his resignation as Estudiantes coach, although the club said he has until Thursday to finalize his decision.

The surprise move, confirmed Wednesday by the club, comes a little after a month since Estudiantes won Argentina's Apertura championship and 18 months after winning the 2009 Copa Libertadores title.

"They asked me to think about it," Sabella said. "I'll take until tomorrow to decide."

Sabella did not explain his decision, but reports suggest he is unhappy with officials for not making offseason signings for the club, which is led by midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.

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If Sabella goes, Estudiantes will have less than two weeks to find a replacement before the Clausura season opens.

"I'm surprised because nothing led me to expect this," said Julio Arias Navarro, a club director. "I hope it is not definite. Alejandro is very unpredictable."

Sabella is well regarded and was mentioned as a possible replacement for Diego Maradona as Argentina coach, a job that went to Sergio Batista.
 

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