César Luis Menotti
Encyclopedia
César Luis Menotti, known as El Flaco ("the slim one") (born November 5, 1938 in Rosario
) is an Argentine
football coach and former player, who as coach, won the 1978 FIFA World Cup
for Argentina.
picked him up. He played in the youth divisions while attending high school (he graduated as a chemical technician) and was signed by Central. He also played for the Argentine national football team and Pelé
's Santos FC
.
in Mexico
. Fascinated by the Brazil
ian style of play led by his pal Pele, he decided to become a coach himself.
His first significant success was achieving the 1973 Metropolitano
title with Huracán
, with a legendary attacking lineup: René Houseman
, Miguel Brindisi, Roque Avallay
, Carlos Babington
, and Omar Larrosa
, backed up by veteran midfielder Alfio Basile
and left-back Jorge Carrascosa
, known as el lobo ("the wolf"), who was the team captain.
After the fiasco of the 1974 FIFA World Cup
, the Argentine Football Association
top brass decided to offer Menotti the position of national coach. The political connections of Huracán strongman David Bracuto and steelworkers' union leader Paulino Niembro were critical in closing the deal.
. For many fans, it was "now or never". The political climate was deteriorating rapidly: in March 1976, a military coup was to depose President Isabel Martínez de Perón
and install a fiercely repressive regime.
After a series of incidents in which Boca Juniors
and River Plate
denied their players to the national team in 1975, Menotti devised a scratch made up mostly from players out of Santa Fé
and Córdoba provinces. Many players in that team made up the backbone of Menotti's team all the way to the 1982 FIFA World Cup
: full-back Luis Galván
, midfielders Ardiles
, Gallego
and Kempes
, and centre-forward Luque
. Other players from that team remained on the team with varying fortunes: goalkeeper Hugo Gatti
, the Killer brothers (Daniel
and Mario), Miguel Oviedo
, and Daniel Valencia.
Menotti acknowledged the talent of Houseman and the rise of defensive powerhouse Daniel Passarella
, even though both played in teams from Buenos Aires. Another source of top talent was the national team that won the 1975 Toulon youth championship, which included Boca's Alberto Tarantini
and Jorge Valdano, who was transferred to Spanish side Alavés at a young age.
In the run-up to the 1978 World Cup, Menotti came under fire for favoring allegedly inferior players (e.g. improvised right-back Olguín
over Vicente Pernía
, and Valencia over Alonso
and Bochini
). At the goalkeeper position, Menotti eventually replaced Hugo Gatti with Ubaldo Fillol, who was less of a field player but gave more security under the goalposts. Menotti did call Alonso— up reluctantly, reputedly after suggestions from Admiral Lacoste
, the navy officer who was CEO of the World Cup organization committee.
The 25-player team that trained for the 1978 World Cup needed trimming to the FIFA-regulated 22 names, so Menotti had to eject three players before the tournament. Those were Humberto Rafael Bravo, Víctor Bottaniz and 17-year-old Diego Maradona
.
, Tarantini; Ardiles
, Gallego, Valencia; Houseman, Luque, Kempes
. This team defeated Hungary
and France
without convincing critics, and then lost to Italy
. Having achieved the second place in the qualifying round, Argentina was to play the second round in Rosario
. Leopoldo Luque was recognized as the best player in the first round, but an arm injury and the death of his brother in a car accident took the edge off his game. Menotti benched Valencia and Houseman, moved Kempes to the midfield, and promoted Daniel Bertoni and Oscar Ortiz
to the wings.
A convincing 2-0 victory over Poland
in the second round was followed by a 0-0 draw against Brazil
. The last day was scheduled so that Argentina would play Peru
already knowing the result of the Brazil-Poland match. Since Brazil won 3-1, Argentina needed a four-goal spread to reach the final.
The match against Peru ended with a 6-0 Argentine victory. Allegations of bribery were made ever since, and some involved (both Peruvian and Argentine) have pointed out that Argentine officials did apply pressure on the Peruvians to give up the match.
The final against the Netherlands
was arguably Argentina's best match in the competition. After dominating for most of the match (Kempes scored for 1-0 in the first half), Argentina retreated to defense and let the Dutch stage a comeback. A goal by Nanninga put the match 1-1; in the final minute of regulation time, the orange team was denied their first world cup by the width of a goalpost.
In additional time, Kempes and Bertoni scored for Argentina, who thus joined the exclusive club of football world champions. Argentines celebrated the victory in the streets throughout the country, the military junta drew a political dividend, and Menotti became the man of the hour.
, which ultimately agreed to his demanding terms, both financially and professionally. Menotti's team included assistant coaches Rogelio Poncini and Roberto Saporiti
, as well as fitness trainer Ricardo Pizzarotti and physician Rubén Oliva.
In 1979, Menotti flew to Japan to oversee the Saporiti-trained under-20 team that won the Youth World Championship
. This title was Maradona's first title wearing the national colors.
On that year, Argentina and the Netherlands played a FIFA exhibition match in Zurich
, which Argentina won on penalties.
In 1980, the team played the Mundialito
in Uruguay
, but failed to reach the final.
During the build-up to the 1982 FIFA World Cup
, Menotti maintained the same defensive line as in 1978, but modified the attacking lineup to include new players, notably Maradona, Juan Barbas
, Ramon Diaz
, and Jorge Valdano.
When it became clear that Argentina would play the inaugural match against Belgium, Menotti went on record extolling the virtues of the rival, and the head game of its centre-forward Jan Ceulemans
. Many felt Menotti was worrying too much about the rival.
In the final weeks before the competition, the country was absorbed by the Malvinas/Falklands War
. Argentina capitulated on the very day the World Cup competition was to start.
Argentina went on to defeat Hungary
and El Salvador
, and was poised to meet Italy and Brazil in Group 3 of the second round.
Argentina dominated Italy in the first half, but the Italians scored and ultimately won the match. The game against Brazil was a debacle: Argentina never found its rhythm, Maradona was sent off, and the team lost 3-1 and was eliminated from the competition.
In the 1982 World Cup, Menotti deployed the same defenders as in 1978; they were vulnerable and slow, especially the Olguín-Galván tandem on the right. In the offensive positions, Maradona and Valdano played together with players resisted by many, notably Barbas and an out-of-shape Mario Kempes.
Following that performance, it was obvious that it was time for a replacement. The names of Carlos Griguol, José Omar Pastoriza, and Carlos Bilardo
were floated; Bilardo was finally selected by the Association. The performance of Estudiantes
in the 1982 Metropolitano tournament was the determining factor in the decision.
to coach the team, which had added Maradona to its roster. But Maradona was injured by Andoni Goikoetxea and then was sick with hepatitis, and Barcelona did not obtain the league title. Following a meager harvest which included only one Copa del Rey
, Menotti and Barcelona parted ways in 1984.
Ever since, Menotti has alternated between coaching jobs and teaching and lecturing stints. During the 1980s, he held the post of coach at both Boca Juniors
and River Plate, and achieved second place with both. On both occasions, his main tactical contribution was making defenders play the achique ("shrinking"), his version of the off-side trap. Through all those years, Menotti stuck to zonal defending—at a time when man-to-man defending was prevalent.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Menotti staged a series of comebacks with mixed results, including a 15-month stint with the Mexican national team
. His best harvest in Argentina was second place with Independiente
in 1996; that team would achieve the 1997 championship, after Menotti left in mid-season for what would be a brief stint with Italian
side Sampdoria. In 2003 he led Rosario Central to an impressive start, but the inexperienced team snapped under pressure. In 2005, Menotti once again coached Independiente, which did not pose a challenge to the title; he quit in mid-season amid fan resistance and political infighting.
Menotti has recently been working in Mexico, he took charge of Puebla F.C. in 2006 and managed Tecos in 2007.
On 6 January 2008 he quit his position as manager of Tecos because of interference in team affairs by club president Antonio Leaño, who sold Emmanuel Villa to Derby County
of England, without consultation.
He was General Manager at Independiente
until he quit on 21 September 2010.
to singer Joan Manuel Serrat
. He was opinionated on politics, projecting a left-wing image that contrasted with his holding a very visible post during the military regime.
In 1982, a Spanish magazine published an interview in which Menotti sounded extremely critical of the military process. In a public relations
coup, then-President Leopoldo Galtieri
visited the training camp and hugged Menotti in front of the cameras.
In the years 1983-1986, Menotti was an outspoken critic of his successor as national coach, Carlos Bilardo, and many in the media (especially Buenos Aires daily Clarín
) fanned the flames of controversy, even though Bilardo himself did not return fire. Many of the arguments used were irrelevant to the matter at hand (e.g. the musical tastes of each) or proved wrong by the passage of time.
Among the football figures who claim to be Menotti's followers, a special place is held by Jorge Valdano, who was coach of Real Madrid
in 1994-1995 and then its general manager during the glory days of 2000-2004.
Rosario
Rosario is the largest city in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. It is located northwest of Buenos Aires, on the western shore of the Paraná River and has 1,159,004 residents as of the ....
) is an Argentine
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
football coach and former player, who as coach, won the 1978 FIFA World Cup
1978 FIFA World Cup
The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Argentina between 1 June and 25 June. The 1978 World Cup was won by Argentina who beat the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time in the final. This win was the first World Cup title for Argentina, who became the fifth...
for Argentina.
Playing career
Menotti grew up in the Fisherton district of Rosario, and played for local clubs before a scout for Rosario CentralRosario Central
Club Atlético Rosario Central is a sports club based in Rosario, Argentina. Its football team currently plays in the Primera B Nacional, the second tier of the Argentine football league system, after being relegated in the 2009-10 season....
picked him up. He played in the youth divisions while attending high school (he graduated as a chemical technician) and was signed by Central. He also played for the Argentine national football team and Pelé
Pelé
However, Pelé has always maintained that those are mistakes, that he was actually named Edson and that he was born on 23 October 1940.), best known by his nickname Pelé , is a retired Brazilian footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time...
's Santos FC
Santos Futebol Clube
Santos Futebol Clube is a Brazilian professional football club based in Santos, São Paulo They play in the Campeonato Paulista and the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, the highest professional leagues in São Paulo state and Brazil, respectively....
.
Early managerial career
After retiring from play, he became friends with coach Miguel "Gitano" Juárez, with whom he traveled to the 1970 FIFA World Cup1970 FIFA World Cup
The 1970 FIFA World Cup, the ninth staging of the World Cup, was held in Mexico, from 31 May to 21 June. The 1970 tournament was the first World Cup hosted in North America, and the first held outside South America and Europe. In a match-up of two-time World Cup champions, the final was won by...
in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. Fascinated by the Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian style of play led by his pal Pele, he decided to become a coach himself.
His first significant success was achieving the 1973 Metropolitano
Primera División Argentina
The Primera División is a professional football league in Argentina. It is the country's premier football division and is at the top of the Argentine football league system. Contested by twenty clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Primera B Nacional. The season runs...
title with Huracán
Club Atlético Huracán
Club Atlético Huracán is a sports club from the Parque Patricios neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The football team currently plays in the Primera B Nacional, the second level of the Argentine football league system. Huracán home stadium is the Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó.Huracán was...
, with a legendary attacking lineup: René Houseman
René Houseman
René Orlando Houseman is a retired Argentine footballer, who played as a right winger.In his career he played for Defensores de Belgrano, Huracán, River Plate, Colo Colo , Amazulu , Independiente and Excursionistas.During his international career he also played for Argentina, and participated at...
, Miguel Brindisi, Roque Avallay
Roque Avallay
Roque Avallay is a former Argentine football striker. He played for a number of clubs in Argentina and represented the Argentina national football team....
, Carlos Babington
Carlos Babington
Carlos Alberto Babington "El Inglés" is a former Argentine football striker. He represented the Argentine national team at the 1974 World Cup....
, and Omar Larrosa
Omar Larrosa
Omar Ruben Larrosa is a retired Argentine football and now assistant coach at Boca Juniors. He is perhaps most famous for having been part of the 1978 World Cup winning team.-Career:...
, backed up by veteran midfielder Alfio Basile
Alfio Basile
Alfio Basile , known as Coco, is an Argentine football coach and former player.-Playing career:Basile started his playing career at the Bella Vista club in his home city. From 1964 to 1970 he played for Racing Club, and then for Huracán, where he was a mainstay of the 1973 Metropolitano champions...
and left-back Jorge Carrascosa
Jorge Carrascosa
Jorge Lobo Carrascosa is a former Argentine football left back. He played club football for Banfield, Rosario Central and Huracán and represented the Argentina national football team....
, known as el lobo ("the wolf"), who was the team captain.
After the fiasco of the 1974 FIFA World Cup
1974 FIFA World Cup
The 1974 FIFA World Cup, the tenth staging of the World Cup, was held in West Germany from 13 June to 7 July. The tournament marked the first time that the current trophy, the FIFA World Cup Trophy, created by the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, was awarded...
, the Argentine Football Association
Argentine Football Association
The Argentine Football Association is the governing body of football in Argentina. It organises the Argentine football league and the Argentina national football team. It is based in Buenos Aires...
top brass decided to offer Menotti the position of national coach. The political connections of Huracán strongman David Bracuto and steelworkers' union leader Paulino Niembro were critical in closing the deal.
Preparations for the 1978 World Cup
Menotti was faced with an enormous challenge: Argentina had zero World Cup wins against Brazil's three, and was poised to host the 1978 FIFA World Cup1978 FIFA World Cup
The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Argentina between 1 June and 25 June. The 1978 World Cup was won by Argentina who beat the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time in the final. This win was the first World Cup title for Argentina, who became the fifth...
. For many fans, it was "now or never". The political climate was deteriorating rapidly: in March 1976, a military coup was to depose President Isabel Martínez de Perón
Isabel Martínez de Perón
María Estela Martínez Cartas de Perón , better known as Isabel Martínez de Perón or Isabel Perón, is a former President of Argentina. She was also the third wife of another former President, Juan Perón...
and install a fiercely repressive regime.
After a series of incidents in which Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors
Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División....
and River Plate
Club Atlético River Plate
Club Atlético River Plate is an Argentine sports club based in the Nuñez neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently competes in Nacional B, the second tier of Argentine football....
denied their players to the national team in 1975, Menotti devised a scratch made up mostly from players out of Santa Fé
Santa Fe Province
The Invincible Province of Santa Fe, in Spanish Provincia Invencible de Santa Fe , is a province of Argentina, located in the center-east of the country. Neighboring provinces are from the north clockwise Chaco , Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santiago del Estero...
and Córdoba provinces. Many players in that team made up the backbone of Menotti's team all the way to the 1982 FIFA World Cup
1982 FIFA World Cup
The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July. The tournament was won by Italy, after defeating West Germany 3–1 in the final.-Host selection:...
: full-back Luis Galván
Luis Galván
Luis Adolfo Galván is a retired Argentine footballer, who played in the centre back position.He is perhaps most famous for having been part of the 1978 World Cup winning team.-International career:...
, midfielders Ardiles
Osvaldo Ardiles
Osvaldo César Ardiles , often referred to in Britain as Ossie Ardiles, is a football coach, pundit and former midfielder who won the 1978 World Cup as part of the Argentine national team...
, Gallego
Américo Gallego
Américo Rubén "El Tolo" Gallego is an Argentine football coach and former player, he played 73 times for the Argentina national team during his playing career.-Playing career:...
and Kempes
Mario Kempes
Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi is a retired Argentine footballer. His father, Mario, also a footballer, inspired him to play from a young age. At the age of 7, he began playing with a junior team and at 14, he joined La Cuarta de Talleres...
, and centre-forward Luque
Leopoldo Luque
Leopoldo Jacinto Luque is a former Argentine football striker.In a career spanning he played for Unión de Santa Fe, Rosario Central, River Plate, Racing Club de Avellaneda and Chacarita Juniors...
. Other players from that team remained on the team with varying fortunes: goalkeeper Hugo Gatti
Hugo Gatti
Hugo Orlando Gatti, Loco Gatti is a former Argentine professional football goalkeeper who played in the Argentine First Division for 26 seasons and set a record of 765 appearances...
, the Killer brothers (Daniel
Daniel Killer
Daniel Pedro Killer is a retired Argentine football defender who was part of the Argentina squad that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup...
and Mario), Miguel Oviedo
Miguel Oviedo
Miguel Ángel Oviedo is a former Argentine football midfielder who was part of the Argentina squad that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup....
, and Daniel Valencia.
Menotti acknowledged the talent of Houseman and the rise of defensive powerhouse Daniel Passarella
Daniel Passarella
Daniel Alberto Passarella is a former Argentine football centre back and former manager of the Argentine and Uruguayan national football teams. He was captain of the Argentina team that won the 1978 World Cup...
, even though both played in teams from Buenos Aires. Another source of top talent was the national team that won the 1975 Toulon youth championship, which included Boca's Alberto Tarantini
Alberto Tarantini
Alberto Tarantini is an Argentine former football player. He played as a defensive left back early in his career, and later as a wing back....
and Jorge Valdano, who was transferred to Spanish side Alavés at a young age.
In the run-up to the 1978 World Cup, Menotti came under fire for favoring allegedly inferior players (e.g. improvised right-back Olguín
Jorge Olguín
Jorge Mario Olguín is a retired Argentine footballer.He is perhaps most famous for having been part of the 1978 World Cup winning team.Since his retirement as a player he has managed a number of football clubs....
over Vicente Pernía
Vicente Pernía
Vicente Alberto Pernía , known as El Tano , is a former Argentine professional footballer. He then went on to a second career as a car racing driver.-Club career:...
, and Valencia over Alonso
Norberto Alonso
Norberto Osvaldo Alonso , known colloquially as "Beto" Alonso, is a former Argentine football midfielder, who played the majority of his career for the Argentine club River Plate. He remains one of their most iconic players...
and Bochini
Ricardo Bochini
Ricardo Enrique Bochini is an Argentine former professional football player. He is nicknamed El Bocha. Bochini was a childhood idol of Diego Maradona....
). At the goalkeeper position, Menotti eventually replaced Hugo Gatti with Ubaldo Fillol, who was less of a field player but gave more security under the goalposts. Menotti did call Alonso— up reluctantly, reputedly after suggestions from Admiral Lacoste
Carlos Lacoste
Carlos Alberto Lacoste was an Argentine navy vice-admiral and politician who briefly served as interim de facto President of Argentina.-Earlier years:...
, the navy officer who was CEO of the World Cup organization committee.
The 25-player team that trained for the 1978 World Cup needed trimming to the FIFA-regulated 22 names, so Menotti had to eject three players before the tournament. Those were Humberto Rafael Bravo, Víctor Bottaniz and 17-year-old Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona
Diego Armando Maradona is a retired Argentine football player and widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. Over the course of his professional club career Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys, setting...
.
1978 World Cup
Menotti's initial team was Fillol; Olguín, Galvan, PassarellaDaniel Passarella
Daniel Alberto Passarella is a former Argentine football centre back and former manager of the Argentine and Uruguayan national football teams. He was captain of the Argentina team that won the 1978 World Cup...
, Tarantini; Ardiles
Osvaldo Ardiles
Osvaldo César Ardiles , often referred to in Britain as Ossie Ardiles, is a football coach, pundit and former midfielder who won the 1978 World Cup as part of the Argentine national team...
, Gallego, Valencia; Houseman, Luque, Kempes
Mario Kempes
Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi is a retired Argentine footballer. His father, Mario, also a footballer, inspired him to play from a young age. At the age of 7, he began playing with a junior team and at 14, he joined La Cuarta de Talleres...
. This team defeated Hungary
Hungary national football team
The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation....
and France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
without convincing critics, and then lost to Italy
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
. Having achieved the second place in the qualifying round, Argentina was to play the second round in Rosario
Rosario
Rosario is the largest city in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. It is located northwest of Buenos Aires, on the western shore of the Paraná River and has 1,159,004 residents as of the ....
. Leopoldo Luque was recognized as the best player in the first round, but an arm injury and the death of his brother in a car accident took the edge off his game. Menotti benched Valencia and Houseman, moved Kempes to the midfield, and promoted Daniel Bertoni and Oscar Ortiz
Oscar Alberto Ortiz
Oscar Alberto Ortiz is a retired Argentine footballer.-Biography:The most notable achievement of his footballing career was being part of the Argentina team that won the World Cup 1978....
to the wings.
A convincing 2-0 victory over Poland
Poland national football team
The Poland national football team represents Poland in association football and is controlled by the Polish Football Association, the governing body for football in Poland...
in the second round was followed by a 0-0 draw against Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
. The last day was scheduled so that Argentina would play Peru
Peru national football team
The Peru national football team, known as 'el equipo inca', represents Peru in international football competition and is managed by the Peruvian Football Federation . The team competes against the other nine members of FIFA's CONMEBOL conference, which encompasses the countries of South America...
already knowing the result of the Brazil-Poland match. Since Brazil won 3-1, Argentina needed a four-goal spread to reach the final.
The match against Peru ended with a 6-0 Argentine victory. Allegations of bribery were made ever since, and some involved (both Peruvian and Argentine) have pointed out that Argentine officials did apply pressure on the Peruvians to give up the match.
The final against the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
was arguably Argentina's best match in the competition. After dominating for most of the match (Kempes scored for 1-0 in the first half), Argentina retreated to defense and let the Dutch stage a comeback. A goal by Nanninga put the match 1-1; in the final minute of regulation time, the orange team was denied their first world cup by the width of a goalpost.
In additional time, Kempes and Bertoni scored for Argentina, who thus joined the exclusive club of football world champions. Argentines celebrated the victory in the streets throughout the country, the military junta drew a political dividend, and Menotti became the man of the hour.
Between 1978 and 1982
In the final months of 1978, when Menotti's contract was due to expire, he played a game of brinkmanship with the Argentine Football AssociationArgentine Football Association
The Argentine Football Association is the governing body of football in Argentina. It organises the Argentine football league and the Argentina national football team. It is based in Buenos Aires...
, which ultimately agreed to his demanding terms, both financially and professionally. Menotti's team included assistant coaches Rogelio Poncini and Roberto Saporiti
Roberto Saporiti
Roberto Marcos Saporiti is a former Argentine footballer currently working as manager of Defensa y Justicia of the Argentine 2nd division. He has managed clubs in Argentina, Mexico and Colombia.-Playing career:...
, as well as fitness trainer Ricardo Pizzarotti and physician Rubén Oliva.
In 1979, Menotti flew to Japan to oversee the Saporiti-trained under-20 team that won the Youth World Championship
1979 FIFA World Youth Championship
The 1979 FIFA World Youth Championship, the second staging of the FIFA World Youth Championship, was held in Japan from August 26 to September 7, 1979. The tournament took place in four venues — Kobe, Omiya, Tokyo and Yokohama — where a total of 32 matches were played, four more than in the...
. This title was Maradona's first title wearing the national colors.
On that year, Argentina and the Netherlands played a FIFA exhibition match in Zurich
Zürich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich...
, which Argentina won on penalties.
In 1980, the team played the Mundialito
1980 Mundialito
-Group B:---------Final:-Scorers:3 goals Waldemar Victorino1 goal Ramón Díaz Diego Maradona Edevaldo Junior Serginho Sócrates Toninho Cerezo Zé Sérgio Klaus Allofs Horst Hrubesch Jan Peters Carlo Ancelotti Jorge Barrios Julio Morales Venancio Ramos...
in Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
, but failed to reach the final.
During the build-up to the 1982 FIFA World Cup
1982 FIFA World Cup
The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July. The tournament was won by Italy, after defeating West Germany 3–1 in the final.-Host selection:...
, Menotti maintained the same defensive line as in 1978, but modified the attacking lineup to include new players, notably Maradona, Juan Barbas
Juan Barbas
Juan Alberto Barbas is a retired Argentine football midfielder and occasionally defender. He played for a number of clubs in Argentina, Spain, Italy and Switzerland before turning his hand to management in 2009 with Racing Club de Avellaneda..-Club career:Barbas started his career in 1977 at...
, Ramon Diaz
Ramón Díaz
Ramón Ángel Díaz , is a former Argentine football player. For most of his career, he played for, and later coached, Club Atlético River Plate. He is also known by the nickname of El Pelado ....
, and Jorge Valdano.
When it became clear that Argentina would play the inaugural match against Belgium, Menotti went on record extolling the virtues of the rival, and the head game of its centre-forward Jan Ceulemans
Jan Ceulemans
Jan Anna Gumaar Ceulemans is a Belgian former football player who played as a midfielder.He is his country's most capped player with 96 international appearances. Most of his time with Belgium took place under the guidance of Guy Thys...
. Many felt Menotti was worrying too much about the rival.
In the final weeks before the competition, the country was absorbed by the Malvinas/Falklands War
Falklands War
The Falklands War , also called the Falklands Conflict or Falklands Crisis, was fought in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the disputed Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands...
. Argentina capitulated on the very day the World Cup competition was to start.
World Cup 1982
The gloomy atmosphere in Argentina was only made worse by the defeat to Belgium in the opening match. The team started with Fillol; Olguin, Galvan, Passarella, Tarantini; Ardiles, Gallego, Maradona; Bertoni, Diaz, and Kempes.Argentina went on to defeat Hungary
Hungary national football team
The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation....
and El Salvador
El Salvador national football team
El Salvador's national football team represents El Salvador in international football and is sanctioned by the Federación Salvadoreña de Fútbol . In 1899, Santa Ana and San Salvador met for the first hosted football game in El Salvador...
, and was poised to meet Italy and Brazil in Group 3 of the second round.
Argentina dominated Italy in the first half, but the Italians scored and ultimately won the match. The game against Brazil was a debacle: Argentina never found its rhythm, Maradona was sent off, and the team lost 3-1 and was eliminated from the competition.
In the 1982 World Cup, Menotti deployed the same defenders as in 1978; they were vulnerable and slow, especially the Olguín-Galván tandem on the right. In the offensive positions, Maradona and Valdano played together with players resisted by many, notably Barbas and an out-of-shape Mario Kempes.
Following that performance, it was obvious that it was time for a replacement. The names of Carlos Griguol, José Omar Pastoriza, and Carlos Bilardo
Carlos Bilardo
Carlos Salvador Bilardo is an Argentine former football player and coach, who is currently the General Manager of the Argentina national football team....
were floated; Bilardo was finally selected by the Association. The performance of Estudiantes
Estudiantes de La Plata
Club Estudiantes de La Plata , simply referred to as Estudiantes, is an Argentine professional sports club based in La Plata. The club's football team currently competes in the Primera División, where it has spent most of its history....
in the 1982 Metropolitano tournament was the determining factor in the decision.
Later career
Following the 1982 World Cup, Menotti was hired by FC BarcelonaFC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
to coach the team, which had added Maradona to its roster. But Maradona was injured by Andoni Goikoetxea and then was sick with hepatitis, and Barcelona did not obtain the league title. Following a meager harvest which included only one Copa del Rey
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
, Menotti and Barcelona parted ways in 1984.
Ever since, Menotti has alternated between coaching jobs and teaching and lecturing stints. During the 1980s, he held the post of coach at both Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors
Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División....
and River Plate, and achieved second place with both. On both occasions, his main tactical contribution was making defenders play the achique ("shrinking"), his version of the off-side trap. Through all those years, Menotti stuck to zonal defending—at a time when man-to-man defending was prevalent.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Menotti staged a series of comebacks with mixed results, including a 15-month stint with the Mexican national team
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
. His best harvest in Argentina was second place with Independiente
Club Atlético Independiente
Club Atlético Independiente is an Argentine athletic, sports and social club, which has its headquarters and stadium in the city of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires Province. The club is best known for its football team, that plays in the Argentine Primera División....
in 1996; that team would achieve the 1997 championship, after Menotti left in mid-season for what would be a brief stint with Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
side Sampdoria. In 2003 he led Rosario Central to an impressive start, but the inexperienced team snapped under pressure. In 2005, Menotti once again coached Independiente, which did not pose a challenge to the title; he quit in mid-season amid fan resistance and political infighting.
Menotti has recently been working in Mexico, he took charge of Puebla F.C. in 2006 and managed Tecos in 2007.
On 6 January 2008 he quit his position as manager of Tecos because of interference in team affairs by club president Antonio Leaño, who sold Emmanuel Villa to Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
of England, without consultation.
He was General Manager at Independiente
Club Atlético Independiente
Club Atlético Independiente is an Argentine athletic, sports and social club, which has its headquarters and stadium in the city of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires Province. The club is best known for its football team, that plays in the Argentine Primera División....
until he quit on 21 September 2010.
Personality, controversy and influence
Menotti always displayed a rebellious streak and cultivated an image of coolness. He wore long hair into his fifties, dressed casually, and used to drop references to cultural icons in his conversation, from writer Ernesto SabatoErnesto Sabato
Ernesto Sabato , was an Argentine writer, painter and physicist. According to the BBC he "won some of the most prestigious prizes in Hispanic literature" and "became very influential in the literary world throughout Latin America"...
to singer Joan Manuel Serrat
Joan Manuel Serrat
Joan Manuel Serrat i Teresa is a Catalan Spanish singer-songwriter.Serrat is considered one of the most important figures of modern, popular music in both the Spanish and Catalan languages...
. He was opinionated on politics, projecting a left-wing image that contrasted with his holding a very visible post during the military regime.
In 1982, a Spanish magazine published an interview in which Menotti sounded extremely critical of the military process. In a public relations
Public relations
Public relations is the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc....
coup, then-President Leopoldo Galtieri
Leopoldo Galtieri
Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri Castelli was an Argentine general and President of Argentina from December 22, 1981 to June 18, 1982, during the last military dictatorship . The death squad Intelligence Battalion 601 directly reported to him...
visited the training camp and hugged Menotti in front of the cameras.
In the years 1983-1986, Menotti was an outspoken critic of his successor as national coach, Carlos Bilardo, and many in the media (especially Buenos Aires daily Clarín
Clarín (newspaper)
Clarín is the largest newspaper in Argentina, published by the Grupo Clarín media group. It was founded by Roberto Noble on 28 August 1945. It is politically centrist but popularly understood to oppose the Kirchner government...
) fanned the flames of controversy, even though Bilardo himself did not return fire. Many of the arguments used were irrelevant to the matter at hand (e.g. the musical tastes of each) or proved wrong by the passage of time.
Among the football figures who claim to be Menotti's followers, a special place is held by Jorge Valdano, who was coach of Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
in 1994-1995 and then its general manager during the glory days of 2000-2004.
External links
- Summary Todo-Argentina biography Red Argentina profile ESPN Profile Full Spanish language electronic text of "El DT del Proceso", a book strongly critical of Menotti's ethics and his links to the military regime Futbol Factory profile (Archived)