One of the most recognized technicians in the country and the world, César Luis Menotti, died this Sunday, as confirmed by the https://twitter.com/afa/status/1787192270141194712. Menotti was the coach who led the Argentine team to the first coronation, in the 1978 World Cup, played in the country. He was 85 years old.
He was currently working as General Director of National Teams. He was going through a long illness that had removed him from public life in recent months. Due to severe anemia, he was hospitalized and on April 10 he had been discharged and recovered at his home.
He began his career as a player in 1960, debuting at Rosario Central, a club where he spent four seasons. He had a stint at Racing, Boca, Juventus of Italy and San Pablo of Brazil.
But beyond his career as a soccer player, he stood out as a coach. He is remembered for having achieved the championship with Huracán in 1973, in one of the iconic teams of Argentine soccer. He first had a brief stint at Newell’s.
It was the first title in the Globe’s professionalism and it was done with a dream squad, which had figures like René Houseman, Miguel Ángel Brindisi and Carlos Babington.
That championship opened the doors of the national team to Flaco” Menotti.
Menotti and the national team
The Argentine team began to win its first World Cup on September 30, 1974, when Menotti was appointed as its new coach. “The idea is to prioritize the team. I have the opportunity to demonstrate that a solid structure can be built, capable of supporting the technician’s work,” were his first words.
The idea was to prioritize the national team, making it a priority for the clubs and the players.
On October 12, 1974, against Spain at the Monumental stadium in River, he made his debut as coach of Argentina with a 1-1 draw against Spain, with a goal from Roberto Rógel, Boca defender.
The four years prior to the ’78 World Cup were very intense. Teams were formed in the provinces, they played dozens of friendlies and before the start of the tournament, the team was concentrated for more than 50 days. For the first time in history, the team was the priority for everyone.
The team won its first World Cup after beating Holland in the final by 3 to 1 at the Monumental.
After the 1982 World Cup in Spain, he left office.
Menotti’s career as a player and manager
As a player
It started in Union Fisherton America and Argentinian by Marcos Juárez. Then he went to the Carcarañense League. He wanted to be a player Velez but they didn’t take it. He tried at school Central Rosary and he was right. After his time in AFA football, he ventured into The New York Generals (1967), where after some problems with the coach he stood out in a friendly against Pelé’s Santos. The American team won 5 to 3 and Flaco scored three goals, which land earned a transfer to the Brazilian club, where he played in 1968. He completed his campaign in Juventus of San Pablo (1969). He also integrated the Selection in the South American of 1963 and into Copa Roca of that year in Brazil.
As a coach
Returning to the country, he aligned himself in 1970 behind the current of Gitano Juarez, his mentor in technical direction. In that role he directed Central Córdoba de Rosario (1969, in B), Newell’s (1971), Hurricane (1971-74), Argentine National Team (1974-82), Barcelona of Spain (1983-84), Boca Juniors (1986-87 and 1993-94), Atlético de Madrid (1987-88)River Plate (1988-89), Peñarol of Uruguay (1990-91), Mexico national team (1991-92)Independent (1996-97, 1998-99 and 2005), Sampdoria of Italy (1997-98) and Central Rosary (2002). Was Metropolitan champion of 1973 con Hurricane and world champion with Argentina, in 1978 and 1979 (Sub 20).
