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Sevilla's Jorge Sampaoli honoured to win October's best La Liga coach award

Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli says he is "proud" to have been named La Liga's best coach for October.

The Argentinian, who replaced Unai Emery at Sevilla in the summer, is in his first coaching job in Europe and has received his first award in Spain.

Under Sampaoli, Sevilla won against Alaves, at Leganes and at home to Atletico Madrid while they drew at Sporting Gijon in their four La Liga games last month.

"I'm very proud because I've just arrived and having so many coaches who are capable, to win this award gives me joy," Sampaoli, who led Chile to Copa America glory in 2015, is quoted as saying by Marca. "I dedicate the award to my children who follow me in the distance and to the Sevilla fans who support us so much."

Under Sampaoli, Sevilla have won six and lost just two -- a defeat at Athletic Bilbao on Sept. 24 and loss to Barcelona on Nov. 6 -- of their 11 league encounters and head into Saturday's game at Deportivo La Coruna in fifth position.

"It's always easier to believe in a project when you start with wins, not just for the players but also for the fans," Sampaoli added.

Under Sampaoli, Sevilla are also on course to advance from the group stage of the Champions League for the first time since the 2009-10 campaign.

They are two points clear of Juventus at the top of Group H and need just a point from their remaining two matches to progress.