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Sevilla president Pepe Castro has denied a media report that coach Jorge Sampaoli will not be on the bench for the final game of the season at home to Osasuna on Saturday. Sampaoli is expected to replace sacked Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza, with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) keen to complete a deal ahead of next month's friendlies against Brazil and Singapore. Ole newspaper reported earlier this week that Sampaoli would give a farewell news conference on Friday even though his release clause will not be paid until June 1. But Castro told Sevilla's official website: "I've heard rumours that our coach will not be there, but of course he will because he is a professional and he has to be at the helm of Sevilla FC until the end of the season." Sampaoli is under contract until June 2018 but can leave if his €1.5 million release clause is paid. Castro has warned the AFA it will have to pay in full before he can leave. Asked about his future earlier this week, Sampaoli said: "If it's not official, it doesn't exist." Castro, meanwhile, said he wanted Sevilla to end their season on a positive note. Under Sampaoli, they reached the round of 16 in the Champions League. They have sealed fourth place in La Liga and a Champions League qualifying spot and the president said: "We've had an important year. "If we win against Osasuna it will be our second best season in terms of points achieved in our history. "We have to value what we have achieved, which is to be in the Champions League for a third straight campaign. "We must enjoy this moment and from next Monday think about creating a competitive team that fills us with joy."
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