Carlos Bilardo
Encyclopedia
Carlos Salvador Bilardo is an Argentine
former football player and coach, who is currently the General Manager of the Argentina national football team
.
Bilardo achieved worldwide renown as a player with Estudiantes de La Plata
in the 1960s, and as coach of the Argentina side that won the 1986 FIFA World Cup
.
Bilardo is known by fans and the media as el narigón (big nose
).
immigrants. He was drawn to football from his childhood, but did not neglect study or work. On school vacations, he would get up before dawn to haul produce to the Abasto market in Buenos Aires
.
Bilardo was a promising prospect in the youth divisions of major Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo de Almagro, and he was drafted to the junior Argentina national football team
that obtained the 1959 Pan-American title and took part in the 1960 Summer Olympic Games in Rome
.
In 1961, Bilardo was transferred to second-division side Deportivo Español, where he became the team's top scorer, but he slowly gravitated to the position of defensive midfielder. In parallel, he continued his studies in the Faculty of Medicine
of the University of Buenos Aires
.
, where coach Osvaldo Zubeldía
built a team based on the killer juveniles (la tercera que mata) and thought of using Bilardo as a more mature anchor for the midfield.
Bilardo became Estudiantes' inside-the-pitch tactician. Over a four-year span, the team won one Metropolitano title (1967), three Copa Libertadores titles (1968-1970) and one Intercontinental Cup (1968).
After graduating as a physician (together with fellow player Raúl Madero
), Bilardo retired from play and accepted the job of Estudiantes coach in 1971. For the next years, he divided his time between coaching, his family (he married in 1968 and fathered a daughter), and helping manage his father's furniture business. He even found time to research rectal cancer and practice as a gynecologist (Bilardo finally retired from the practice of medicine in 1976, feeling that being a phyisician requires a full-time commitment that he was unable to provide).
's Deportivo Cali
and a short stint in San Lorenzo, he became Colombia national team
's trainer. When the team failed to qualify for the 1982 World Cup, he was fired from the position, and Estudiantes arranged for his return to Argentina.
The club was enjoying healthy finances due to the transfer of Patricio Hernández
, and accommodated Bilardo's request for reinforcements. The team made the semi-finals of the 1982 Nacional and went on to win the same year's Metropolitano title.
Bilardo's scheme was based on Zubeldía's tactics, and its attacking might (fueled by players like Sabella
, Trobbiani
, Gottardi and Ponce
) won the attention of the media—and of the top brass of the Argentine Football Association
, who offered him to coach the Argentine national team
.
He held the post from 1983 until after the 1990 World Cup. Under his watch, Diego Maradona
became the most dominant player of his age, and Argentina enjoyed their best international harvest, winning the 1986 edition and reaching the 1990 final.
Bilardo wrote a book called "Así Ganamos" ("How we won", Editorial Sudamericana Planeta) relating the story of Argentina's 1986 FIFA World Cup win.
and later in Boca Juniors
, and have a brief term as the national coach of Libya
.
Bilardo returned to Estudiantes for the 2003-2004 season. In a publicized episode during that season, Bilardo sat next to the pitch during a game against Club Atlético River Plate
and drank from a bottle of champagne. When confronted by media, he maintained that the bottle actually contained Gatorade
; the contents of the bottle were analyzed by a forensic lab, confirming Bilardo's version. Within that season, results improved, and several young players were promoted to the first team, including José Ernesto Sosa
, who would later help Estudiantes become a contender; three years later, the team won the League title under coach Diego Simeone, and in 2009, Estudiantes won the Copa Libertadores again, with Bilardo attending the final in Belo Horizonte
and receiving a gift from coach Sabella—his "lucky" beige coat.
Bilardo covered the 2006 FIFA World Cup
in Germany
for Argentine TV station Canal 13
as a commentator. In the aftermath of the tournament, Argentine coach José Pekerman
renounced the post, and Bilardo's name was floated as a possible substitute. The job eventually went to Alfio Basile
, who had earlier succeeded Bilardo as national coach after the 1990 World Cup.
Following the 2007 gubernatorial election, Bilardo was named Secretary of Sports of Buenos Aires province
under governor Daniel Scioli
.
, Burruchaga
, Batista
, Russo
, and Maradona
.
When Maradona was named as national team coach on October 2008, Bilardo was tapped for the post of Argentina General Manager. After the designation, Bilardo agreed to quit his Secretary post.
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
former football player and coach, who is currently the General Manager of the Argentina national football team
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
.
Bilardo achieved worldwide renown as a player with Estudiantes de La Plata
Estudiantes de La Plata
Club Estudiantes de La Plata , simply referred to as Estudiantes, is an Argentine professional sports club based in La Plata. The club's football team currently competes in the Primera División, where it has spent most of its history....
in the 1960s, and as coach of the Argentina side that won the 1986 FIFA World Cup
1986 FIFA World Cup
The 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June. The tournament was the second to feature a 24-team format. Colombia had been originally chosen to host the competition by FIFA but, largely due to economic reasons, was not able to do so and officially...
.
Bilardo is known by fans and the media as el narigón (big nose
Human nose
The visible part of the human nose is the protruding part of the face that bears the nostrils. The shape of the nose is determined by the ethmoid bone and the nasal septum, which consists mostly of cartilage and which separates the nostrils...
).
Early life
Bilardo was born in the Buenos Aires La Paternal neighborhood to SicilianSicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
immigrants. He was drawn to football from his childhood, but did not neglect study or work. On school vacations, he would get up before dawn to haul produce to the Abasto market in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
.
Bilardo was a promising prospect in the youth divisions of major Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo de Almagro, and he was drafted to the junior Argentina national football team
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
that obtained the 1959 Pan-American title and took part in the 1960 Summer Olympic Games in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
.
In 1961, Bilardo was transferred to second-division side Deportivo Español, where he became the team's top scorer, but he slowly gravitated to the position of defensive midfielder. In parallel, he continued his studies in the Faculty of Medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
of the University of Buenos Aires
University of Buenos Aires
The University of Buenos Aires is the largest university in Argentina and the largest university by enrollment in Latin America. Founded on August 12, 1821 in the city of Buenos Aires, it consists of 13 faculties, 6 hospitals, 10 museums and is linked to 4 high schools: Colegio Nacional de Buenos...
.
Career with Estudiantes
In 1965, Bilardo was transferred to Estudiantes de La PlataEstudiantes de La Plata
Club Estudiantes de La Plata , simply referred to as Estudiantes, is an Argentine professional sports club based in La Plata. The club's football team currently competes in the Primera División, where it has spent most of its history....
, where coach Osvaldo Zubeldía
Osvaldo Zubeldía
Osvaldo Juan Zubeldía, was a football player and an influential Argentine coach.-Playing career:...
built a team based on the killer juveniles (la tercera que mata) and thought of using Bilardo as a more mature anchor for the midfield.
After graduating as a physician (together with fellow player Raúl Madero
Raúl Madero
Raúl Horacio Madero is an Argentine sports physician and former football player. He served two terms as the physician of the Argentina national football team.-Sporting career:...
), Bilardo retired from play and accepted the job of Estudiantes coach in 1971. For the next years, he divided his time between coaching, his family (he married in 1968 and fathered a daughter), and helping manage his father's furniture business. He even found time to research rectal cancer and practice as a gynecologist (Bilardo finally retired from the practice of medicine in 1976, feeling that being a phyisician requires a full-time commitment that he was unable to provide).
Coaching
After two years as coach of ColombiaColombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
's Deportivo Cali
Deportivo Cali
Asociación Deportivo Cali is a Colombian sports club based in Cali, Colombia. Mostly known for its football team, it also sponsors basketball, volleyball and swimming...
and a short stint in San Lorenzo, he became Colombia national team
Colombia national football team
The Colombian national football team represents Colombia in international football competitions and is controlled by the Colombian Football Federation. It is a member of the CONMEBOL...
's trainer. When the team failed to qualify for the 1982 World Cup, he was fired from the position, and Estudiantes arranged for his return to Argentina.
The club was enjoying healthy finances due to the transfer of Patricio Hernández
Patricio Hernández
Patricio Hernández is an Argentine football coach and former player.Hernández started his career in 1974 at Estudiantes de La Plata, a club that he would later manage. He soon earned a reputation as a skillful attacking midfielder, with a very precise shot. He was transferred to Italian team...
, and accommodated Bilardo's request for reinforcements. The team made the semi-finals of the 1982 Nacional and went on to win the same year's Metropolitano title.
Bilardo's scheme was based on Zubeldía's tactics, and its attacking might (fueled by players like Sabella
Alejandro Sabella
Alejandro Sabella is an Argentine football manager and former player. He is currently the coach of the Argentina national football team.-Early career:...
, Trobbiani
Marcelo Trobbiani
Marcelo Antonio Trobbiani Ughetto is an Argentine football coach and a former player, he works as the manager of Cienciano in Peru.-Playing career:...
, Gottardi and Ponce
José Daniel Ponce
José Daniel Ponce is a former Argentine football player, who was part of the Estudiantes de La Plata team that won two back-to-back championships in 1982 and 1983....
) won the attention of the media—and of the top brass of the Argentine Football Association
Argentine Football Association
The Argentine Football Association is the governing body of football in Argentina. It organises the Argentine football league and the Argentina national football team. It is based in Buenos Aires...
, who offered him to coach the Argentine national team
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
.
He held the post from 1983 until after the 1990 World Cup. Under his watch, Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona
Diego Armando Maradona is a retired Argentine football player and widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. Over the course of his professional club career Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys, setting...
became the most dominant player of his age, and Argentina enjoyed their best international harvest, winning the 1986 edition and reaching the 1990 final.
Bilardo wrote a book called "Así Ganamos" ("How we won", Editorial Sudamericana Planeta) relating the story of Argentina's 1986 FIFA World Cup win.
After 1990
From 1990 and onwards, Bilardo alternated teaching and journalism stints with coaching. He would reunite with Maradona in Sevilla FCSevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA...
and later in Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors
Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División....
, and have a brief term as the national coach of Libya
Libya national football team
The Libya national football team is the national association football team of Libya and is controlled by the Libyan Football Federation. The team has never qualified for the senior FIFA World Cup. They have qualified for three Africa Cup of Nations, one in 1982 where they finished runners-up and...
.
Bilardo returned to Estudiantes for the 2003-2004 season. In a publicized episode during that season, Bilardo sat next to the pitch during a game against Club Atlético River Plate
Club Atlético River Plate
Club Atlético River Plate is an Argentine sports club based in the Nuñez neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently competes in Nacional B, the second tier of Argentine football....
and drank from a bottle of champagne. When confronted by media, he maintained that the bottle actually contained Gatorade
Gatorade
Gatorade is a brand of sports-themed food and beverage products, built around its signature product: a line of sports drinks. Gatorade is currently manufactured by PepsiCo, distributed in over 80 countries...
; the contents of the bottle were analyzed by a forensic lab, confirming Bilardo's version. Within that season, results improved, and several young players were promoted to the first team, including José Ernesto Sosa
José Ernesto Sosa
José Ernesto Sosa is an Argentine football attacking midfielder who plays for Ukrainian club Metalist Kharkiv.- Career :Sosa played for Estudiantes between 2002 and 2007...
, who would later help Estudiantes become a contender; three years later, the team won the League title under coach Diego Simeone, and in 2009, Estudiantes won the Copa Libertadores again, with Bilardo attending the final in Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte is the capital of and largest city in the state of Minas Gerais, located in the southeastern region of Brazil. It is the third largest metropolitan area in the country...
and receiving a gift from coach Sabella—his "lucky" beige coat.
Bilardo covered the 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
for Argentine TV station Canal 13
Canal 13 (Argentina)
El Trece is an Argentine television network and the flagship station of the same network, located in the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires.- Foundation :...
as a commentator. In the aftermath of the tournament, Argentine coach José Pekerman
José Pekerman
José Néstor Pékerman is an Argentine football coach and an ex-football player. He become famous as a youth level coach for Argentina, winning the FIFA World Youth Championship three times, and the U-20 South American Youth Championship twice...
renounced the post, and Bilardo's name was floated as a possible substitute. The job eventually went to Alfio Basile
Alfio Basile
Alfio Basile , known as Coco, is an Argentine football coach and former player.-Playing career:Basile started his playing career at the Bella Vista club in his home city. From 1964 to 1970 he played for Racing Club, and then for Huracán, where he was a mainstay of the 1973 Metropolitano champions...
, who had earlier succeeded Bilardo as national coach after the 1990 World Cup.
Following the 2007 gubernatorial election, Bilardo was named Secretary of Sports of Buenos Aires province
Buenos Aires Province
The Province of Buenos Aires is the largest and most populous province of Argentina. It takes the name from the city of Buenos Aires, which used to be the provincial capital until it was federalized in 1880...
under governor Daniel Scioli
Daniel Scioli
Daniel Osvaldo Scioli was Vice President of Argentina from 2003 to 2007 and is the current Governor of Buenos Aires Province and the president of the Justicialist Party. He is a sportsman, an entrepreneur and a politician.- Family :...
.
New post as General Manager
A new generation of Bilardo-influenced coaches has taken over many key positions in Argentine and South American football: Brown, PumpidoNery Pumpido
Nery Alberto Pumpido is a football coach and former goalkeeper who played for the Argentine national team in two World Cups. After retirement, Pumpido moved into club management and is currently in his second spell as coach of Paraguayan side Olimpia of Asunción.-Club career:Pumpido began his...
, Burruchaga
Jorge Burruchaga
Jorge Luis Burruchaga is a former Argentine professional football player, and last manager of Arsenal de Sarandí in the Primera División Argentina...
, Batista
Sergio Batista
Sergio Daniel "Checho" Batista is an Argentine football manager and former footballer. He played as a midfielder, and represented his national team 39 times between 1985 and 1990. He was head coach of Argentina national football team from July 2010 to July 2011.-Club:Batista played youth football...
, Russo
Miguel Ángel Russo
Miguel Ángel Russo is an Argentine football coach and former player, who now coaches Estudiantes.-Career:...
, and Maradona
Diego Maradona
Diego Armando Maradona is a retired Argentine football player and widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. Over the course of his professional club career Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys, setting...
.
When Maradona was named as national team coach on October 2008, Bilardo was tapped for the post of Argentina General Manager. After the designation, Bilardo agreed to quit his Secretary post.