In the world of football, where egos and expectations often reign supreme, two men stand out for their unique journeys and the unexpected bond they share. Luis de la Fuente and Lionel Scaloni, the managers of Spain and Argentina respectively, are set to clash in the World Cup final, but their paths to this moment are a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and the unwritten rules of the game. This is a story of two coaches, one classroom, and the shared values that unite them despite their contrasting backgrounds and approaches to the sport.
A Teacher and a Student
The teacher, Luis de la Fuente, is a product of the Spanish football system. He grew up in Haro, a town in the wine region of La Rioja, where the annual wine battle, La Batalla del Vino, is a cherished tradition. After retiring as a player in 1994, de la Fuente spent 15 years in various roles with different clubs, managing in the lower Spanish leagues, youth roles, and assistant coach positions. However, his journey to the top was not without its setbacks. He was sacked as manager of Deportivo Alaves in 2011 and spent the next 18 months out of work, slowly drifting away from football.
It was during this period of limbo that de la Fuente enrolled at the Spanish federation to study for his UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in European football. It was here that he first met Lionel Scaloni, who was studying for the same course. Scaloni, a former player, had already achieved great success with Argentina, winning the Under-20 World Cup in 1997. Despite their different backgrounds, de la Fuente and Scaloni formed a bond that would last, with de la Fuente praising Scaloni's contributions to the course.
The Power of Mentorship
What makes this relationship particularly fascinating is the mentorship aspect. De la Fuente, having been a player himself, understands the struggles of retirement and the challenges of finding one's place in the football world. Scaloni, on the other hand, brings with him the unwritten rules and hierarchy of Argentine football, a culture that values senior players and their authority. This contrast in backgrounds highlights the universal nature of mentorship and the shared values that can transcend different footballing traditions.
Building a Family
Both de la Fuente and Scaloni have built teams that function like families, with values as close to sport as to the Catholicism they both practise. De la Fuente's method involves growing a culture of respect for rivals, preaching patience and calmness, and emphasizing sacrifice, humility, and collective responsibility. This is evident in the small gestures, like checking on his family before the Euro 2024 final and pulling the federation's photographer into a collective embrace after learning of the man's mother's death.
Scaloni, meanwhile, has created an environment where barbecues, karaoke nights, and the deliberate mixing of stardom with ordinary moments are the essence of the Argentina changing room. He has also seen the importance of psychological support, having himself sought therapy after guiding Argentina to Copa America and World Cup wins. Both coaches understand the importance of a well-managed group and the trust that comes from shared experiences.
The Collective Power
The description of de la Fuente as 'an expert of the raw material there is in Spanish football who has built a family where they enjoy themselves' could be transplanted almost word for word on to Scaloni's Argentina. They are both managers moved by the power of the collective, preferring continuity over disruption. De la Fuente kept faith with a generation he had coached since their teens, while Scaloni kept faith with Messi's supporting cast, ultimately leading to their success.
The Final Confrontation
On Sunday, the student and the teacher meet again in the World Cup final. They will remember that losing is part of sport, but also that winning will make it even more improbable that two men who were once cast out of football have managed to write themselves back into its main book. This is a story of resilience, mentorship, and the shared values that unite them, even as they prepare to clash on the biggest stage.
In my opinion, this final is more than just a game. It's a testament to the power of mentorship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the shared values that can transcend different footballing traditions. As the student and the teacher prepare to face off, they will both be thinking about the journey that brought them here and the values that have guided them along the way.
