(photo: Pedro Souza/Atlético and Oli SCARFF / AFP)
Atlético’s new coach, Gabriel Milito had important references throughout his career as a player. One of them is the Spanish Pep Guardiola, considered the best coach today and one of the best of all time.
The Argentine was managed by Pep between 2008 and 2011, at Barcelona, in Spain. Now in a new role, the former defender revealed what he learned from the coach during a presentation at Galo, this Wednesday (27/3).
“I had a lot of good coaches. Guardiola was undoubtedly one of the best. I learned a lot of concepts from him, a lot. And then with my own ideals of the game, of football, and I try to apply them. The first thing we have to do is be authentic. We cannot imitate another coach,” he said, at an event at Arena MRV.
During his response, Milito highlighted the importance of passing on his own ideas to the players. This is because he understands that, in this way, he has greater convincing power with athletes.
“You have to do what you feel. But for footballers to win, convinced, we first need to transmit confidence and knowledge. This helps the team play the game we want. If one is not convinced, 100%, they cannot handle it. I have no doubts about how the team should play”, added Milito.
How do Milito’s teams play?
Gabriel Milito gave the first indications of how he wants to see Atlético play under his command. According to the coach, Galo fans can expect a leading team on the field. Furthermore, he likes his teams to keep the ball for a long time throughout matches.
“I like to dominate games by having the ball. I believe we have the team and players to do this. As a collective game, we must automate and synchronize certain movements. We will play in different tactical ways, but the style will be the same,” he said.
Without the ball: pressure on the opponent. This is what Milito guarantees, when analyzing the posture he wants from Atlético when defending. “We will try and we will succeed. Having the ball to dominate the game with the ball, and when it goes to the rival, make sure it doesn’t last long. Trying to spend all your time with the ball, bothering you. These two concepts are very important to me,” he stated.
