Jorge Sampaoli optimistic about Argentina hopes after Diego Maradona jibe

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli is hoping that his side can improve on a shaky World Cup qualifying campaign, despite criticism from Diego Maradona regarding their chances at Russia 2018.

Maradona, who helped to conduct the draw in Moscow for next summer's tournament, suggested that the two-time world champions have "a manageable group" but needed to improve.

However, Sampaoli is optimistic that La Albiceleste are capable of stepping up in class when they travel to Eastern Europe next June.

"I hope we have the possibility during this time to train and play better. I think in certain moments in qualifying we gave a glimpse of what we want but we need to use this time to obviously improve," he is quoted as saying by ESPN.

"These are rivals that are coming with few obligations and a lot of enthusiasm for a unique opportunity as the World Cup is. They are going to make us fight but it will depend on us. We need to establish a way and be the Argentina we want to be."

Argentina scraped through to the finals after winning their final qualifier against Peru.