Cesar Luis Menotti, who famously coached Argentina to their first World Cup triumph in 1978, an achievement described as one of many “nation’s best joys”, has died on the age of 85, the nation’s soccer federation introduced Sunday.
“The Argentine Soccer Affiliation regrets to report with nice disappointment the demise of Cesar Luis Menotti, former world champion coach of Argentina,” the AFA stated in a press release.
The chain-smoking Menotti managed 11 golf equipment, some greater than as soon as, and two nationwide groups Argentina and Mexico in a training profession that lasted 37 years.
However he might be greatest remembered for main Argentina to the 1978 World Cup performed on house soil at a time when the nation was dominated by a repressive junta.
Within the last, Argentina defeated the Netherlands 3-1 after extra-time with flamboyant man of the match Mario Kempes scoring twice towards a Dutch facet shorn of Johan Cruyff, who had refused to play within the World Cup.
Menotti opted to not decide 17-year-old phenomenon Diego Maradona, who had made his worldwide debut the 12 months earlier than.
Reacting to Menotti’s demise, Argentina President Javier Milei expressed on X his “deep ache on the departure of the chief of a staff that has given one of many best joys to the nation”.
Menotti was additionally fondly remembered in Mexico the place he took cost of the nationwide staff between 1991 and 1992 earlier than spells with membership sides Puebla and Tecos between 2006 and 2007 his final jobs as a coach.
“Trainer of lecturers, the best for me,” former worldwide Carlos Hermosillo wrote on X. “My gratitude for what you probably did in Mexican soccer. For me there was a earlier than and after you.”
Hermosillo, now a tv commentator on Fox Sports activities, stated Menotti had backed him to ultimately develop into “probably the most excellent Mexican aim scorer”.
Menotti received that proper. Between 1993 and 1996, Hermosillo gained three consecutive particular person scoring titles and when he retired he was the second greatest scorer in Mexican soccer historical past with 294 objectives.
“Cesar Luis Menotti, a soccer savant, thinker, erudite, considerate, clever, nice, educated… handed away… I can’t end itemizing his qualities,” wrote journalist Jose Ramon Fernandez, who was a broadcast companion of the Argentine analyst at a number of World Cups.
“We had lengthy talks, we shared World Cups, laughter, anecdotes.”
Spanish giants Barcelona, the place Menotti coached between 1983 and 1984, successful the Copa del Rey and Spanish Tremendous Cup, additionally prolonged their sympathy.
“FC Barcelona needs to precise its condolences after the demise of the membership’s former coach, Cesar Luis Menotti. Relaxation in peace.”
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