The legendary Arrigo Sacchi revealed the advice he offered to two former FC Barcelona managers in a recent interview.
Arrigo Sacchi has been one of the most important football voices of the last 50 years, he’s even given advice to two successful Barcelona managers. Back when he was Real Madrid’s technical director, he was spotted talking to Rijkaard by none other than Florentino Perez. On that occasion, he gave the Dutch manager the confidence he needed to deliver a historic 3-0 victory at the Bernabeu.
Many years later, he also gave Pep Guardiola some advice on pressing and the Catalan manager went on to become undefeated for several matches. Although we aren’t giving full credit to Sacchi for this, he does like to give himself the spotlight. Guardiola has repeatedly stated that the Italian former coach has been of great help for him over the years. However, we had no idea their relationship was so close.
Sacchi’s advice to Pep and Rijkaard.
Arrigo Sacchi just offered an interview on Gazzetta dello Sport for his 75 birthday. Where he spoke about the present, the future, and the in-between. He recalled some interesting anecdotes about his time in Spain and then he dropped the following gems: “Back in November when he was at his most critical moment, Guardiola called me. I told him he wasn’t pressing higher anymore.
“Pep improves every single league where he coaches. He transmits courage and ideas, just as my AC Milan did. I also remember Rijkaard at the Bernabeu tunnel, smoking and really stressed. Just a few minutes before kick-off. He coached Barça and I was Real Madrid’s technical director. I said: ‘Calm down, you will easily win because we are not competitive’. Florentino heard me and said: ‘Are you with us or against us?’”
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