Luis Fernández
Encyclopedia
Luis Fernández is a Spanish-French footballer
who played as a defender
/ midfielder
. He retired as a player in 1993 to become a manager.
Fernández has managed AS Cannes
and Paris Saint-Germain among other clubs, and is the individual credited with bringing Ronaldinho
to Europe.
As an active player, Fernández got 60 international caps and 6 goals for the French national team
, between 1982 and 1992. He served as the Stade de Reims manager from December 2008 to June 2009.
He is currently a sport radio talk host with RMC, his daily show is called "Luis Attaque"
After the elimination from the 1986 World Cup, and just after he had won the French Ligue 1
championship with PSG, Fernández made the decision to join Jean-Luc Lagardere
's team Racing Club de Paris. But in spite of a team that was strong on paper, the club and Fernandez didn't succeed, and he left Racing after three seasons. Following the 1986 World Cup, the French national team did not manage to qualify for Euro 1988
and the 1990 FIFA World Cup
.
From Racing, Fernández went to AS Cannes in 1989, a more modest club with a friendlier environment. On the club level AS Cannes were relegated to Ligue 2
at the end of the 1991–1992 season, but Fernández decided to remain with the club and end his career when his contract ran out. But Fernández wasn't allowed a slow retirement, when after a few weeks, AS Cannes decided to entrust Luis Fernandez with the post of manager. Fernandez thus finished the season as a coach-player, and led Cannes back to Ligue 1 at the end of the season, and definitively switched to the career as a manager.
He owed money to a club in Qatar, and was banned in 2011 for not paying it. On 7 March 2010 FIFA announced his ban was lifted and he could coach during the 2012 European Qualifiers.
on 10 November 1982. At only 23 years, Luis Fernández was immediately an important part of the team that only months earlier had been semi-finalists of the 1982 FIFA World Cup
. He formed the national midfield with such French national greats as Jean Tigana
in the defensive midfield, and the offensive players Alain Giresse and Michel Platini
, a midfield that became known as the "magic square". With the national team, Luis Fernandez won the Euro 1984
at home in France, and reached the semi-final of the 1986 FIFA World Cup
in Mexico.
He was still a part of the French national team in spite of a declining physique. Not a starting player under new national team manager Michel Platini, Fernández would play the role of a late joker, with the job to clinch a result at the end of the match. Fernández took part in the Euro 1992
, where France were eliminated in the group stage, and Fernández decided to end his international career.
. He won the Best Trainer of Ligue 1 award at the end of the season 1993–1994, on grounds of Fernández' alluring philosophy of offensive tactics with a use of young players. The profile of Fernández particularly interested Paris Saint-Germain. Despite winning the Ligue 1 championship and a good run in the European Cup
, PSG failed to play attractive football, partly because of the Portuguese
trainer Artur Jorge, who applied a more rigid strategic system. The board of PSG saw in Fernandez the ideal manager to reform the image of the club.
The first season of Luis Fernández in Paris Saint-Germain was a success. Even though PSG was quickly outpaced in the Ligue 1 championship race by an irresistible FC Nantes side, PSG managed to win the two national Cups, the Coupe de France
and Coupe de la Ligue
, as well as an impressive showing in the UEFA Champions League
concluded by elimination in the semi-finals by AC Milan. The strongest displays by Fernandez and the PSG team being the quarterfinal win, over two matches, against the great FC Barcelona
side of Johan Cruyff
. The second season at PSG, saw the beginning of the end for Fernandez. Beaten to the title once more in Ligue 1, PSG found the European competitions to be a breath of fresh-air, and they won the European Cup Winners Cup after victory in the final against Rapid Vienna, making Fernandez the first French manager to win a major European trophy. This prestigious victory was not sufficient to keep Fernandez in the PSG hotseat however, following the missed championship, Fernandez left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the 1995–1996 season.
Fernández was then contacted by Athletic Bilbao from the Spanish La Liga
, a club Fernández managed to qualify for the Champions League, and where he would spend four seasons.
In 2000, Fernández returned to France and in December that year he once more took the seat at PSG, replacing Philippe Bergeroo
. Even though he was in charge of a team of such stars as Jay-Jay Okocha
, Nicolas Anelka
and especially Ronaldinho
, Fernández never got the results to satisfy the ambitions of the club. In spite of the support of the fans with whom his popularity always remained very strong, Luis Fernández was fired at the end of the 2002–2003 season, after two and half years.
half way through the 2006/2007 La Liga
season and Betis's centenary season. Fernandez was released on 10 June 2007 following a 5–0 loss at the Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera
to CA Osasuna
, with just one game remaining in Betis's
relegation threatened season. Including cup
games, Luiz Fernandez competed as Real Betis
manager in 26 games – winning 5, drawing 16, and losing 7. His tenure lasted from 27 December 2006 to 10 June 2007.
.
's new head coach. His contract was not renewed after Israel failed to qualify for Euro 2012.
Manager
Football in France
Football is the most popular sport in France. The Fédération Française de Football is the national governing bodyand is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game of association football in the country, both professional and amateur...
who played as a defender
Defender (association football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
/ midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
. He retired as a player in 1993 to become a manager.
Fernández has managed AS Cannes
AS Cannes
Association Sportive de Cannes Football is a French association football club based in Cannes. The club was formed 1902 as a sports club and currently play in the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth division of French football. Cannes plays its home matches at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin...
and Paris Saint-Germain among other clubs, and is the individual credited with bringing Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira , commonly known as Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaúcho, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Flamengo and the Brazilian national team as an attacking midfielder or forward. He is a two-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year, awarded to the best player over the year...
to Europe.
As an active player, Fernández got 60 international caps and 6 goals for the French national team
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
, between 1982 and 1992. He served as the Stade de Reims manager from December 2008 to June 2009.
He is currently a sport radio talk host with RMC, his daily show is called "Luis Attaque"
Club career
It was at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) that Spanish-born Luis Fernández signed his first professional contract, at 19 years of age.After the elimination from the 1986 World Cup, and just after he had won the French Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
championship with PSG, Fernández made the decision to join Jean-Luc Lagardere
Jean-Luc Lagardère
Jean-Luc Lagardère was a major French businessman, CEO of the Lagardere Group, one of the largest French conglomerates....
's team Racing Club de Paris. But in spite of a team that was strong on paper, the club and Fernandez didn't succeed, and he left Racing after three seasons. Following the 1986 World Cup, the French national team did not manage to qualify for Euro 1988
1988 UEFA European Football Championship
The 1988 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in West Germany. West Germany won the right to host the tournament with five votes ahead of a joint bid from Norway, Sweden and Denmark, who gained 1 vote, and a bid from England. It was the eighth European Football...
and the 1990 FIFA World Cup
1990 FIFA World Cup
The 1990 FIFA World Cup was the 14th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 8 June to 8 July 1990 in Italy, the second country to host the event twice. Teams representing 116 national football associations from all six populated...
.
From Racing, Fernández went to AS Cannes in 1989, a more modest club with a friendlier environment. On the club level AS Cannes were relegated to Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
at the end of the 1991–1992 season, but Fernández decided to remain with the club and end his career when his contract ran out. But Fernández wasn't allowed a slow retirement, when after a few weeks, AS Cannes decided to entrust Luis Fernandez with the post of manager. Fernandez thus finished the season as a coach-player, and led Cannes back to Ligue 1 at the end of the season, and definitively switched to the career as a manager.
He owed money to a club in Qatar, and was banned in 2011 for not paying it. On 7 March 2010 FIFA announced his ban was lifted and he could coach during the 2012 European Qualifiers.
International career
Quickly he established himself as a solid defensive midfielder, excelling in winning the ball, but also capable of precise passing, and at the end of the year 1982 he was called up for the French national team and debuted against the NetherlandsNetherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
on 10 November 1982. At only 23 years, Luis Fernández was immediately an important part of the team that only months earlier had been semi-finalists of the 1982 FIFA World Cup
1982 FIFA World Cup
The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July. The tournament was won by Italy, after defeating West Germany 3–1 in the final.-Host selection:...
. He formed the national midfield with such French national greats as Jean Tigana
Jean Tigana
Jean Amadou Tigana is a manager and former French international footballer, having played in midfield and managed professional football extensively throughout France, including 52 appearances and 1 goal for the France national football team during the 1980s.-Playing career:Tigana started his...
in the defensive midfield, and the offensive players Alain Giresse and Michel Platini
Michel Platini
Michel François Platini is a former French football player, manager and current president of UEFA. Platini was a member of the French national team that won the 1984 European Championship, a tournament in which he was the top goalscorer and voted the best player. He participated in the 1978, 1982...
, a midfield that became known as the "magic square". With the national team, Luis Fernandez won the Euro 1984
1984 UEFA European Football Championship
The 1984 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in France. West Germany also bid for the hosting of this event. It was the seventh European Football Championship, held every four years and endorsed by UEFA...
at home in France, and reached the semi-final of 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...
in Mexico.
He was still a part of the French national team in spite of a declining physique. Not a starting player under new national team manager Michel Platini, Fernández would play the role of a late joker, with the job to clinch a result at the end of the match. Fernández took part in the Euro 1992
1992 UEFA European Football Championship
The 1992 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was hosted by Sweden between 10 and 26 June 1992. It was the ninth European Football Championship, which is held every four years and supported by UEFA. Eight national teams contested the championship, which was won by Denmark, one of...
, where France were eliminated in the group stage, and Fernández decided to end his international career.
Manager
After the promotion of AS Cannes to the Ligue 1, Luis Fernández continued his work at the club and qualified for the UEFA CupUEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
. He won the Best Trainer of Ligue 1 award at the end of the season 1993–1994, on grounds of Fernández' alluring philosophy of offensive tactics with a use of young players. The profile of Fernández particularly interested Paris Saint-Germain. Despite winning the Ligue 1 championship and a good run in the European Cup
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, PSG failed to play attractive football, partly because of the Portuguese
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
trainer Artur Jorge, who applied a more rigid strategic system. The board of PSG saw in Fernandez the ideal manager to reform the image of the club.
The first season of Luis Fernández in Paris Saint-Germain was a success. Even though PSG was quickly outpaced in the Ligue 1 championship race by an irresistible FC Nantes side, PSG managed to win the two national Cups, the Coupe de France
Coupe de France
The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
and Coupe de la Ligue
Coupe de la Ligue
The Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel...
, as well as an impressive showing in the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
concluded by elimination in the semi-finals by AC Milan. The strongest displays by Fernandez and the PSG team being the quarterfinal win, over two matches, against the great FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
side of Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff
Hendrik Johannes Cruijff OON , known as Johan Cruyff, is a retired Dutch footballer and is currently the manager of the Catalan national team as well as a member of the AFC Ajax board of directors. He won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973 and 1974, which is a record jointly held with...
. The second season at PSG, saw the beginning of the end for Fernandez. Beaten to the title once more in Ligue 1, PSG found the European competitions to be a breath of fresh-air, and they won the European Cup Winners Cup after victory in the final against Rapid Vienna, making Fernandez the first French manager to win a major European trophy. This prestigious victory was not sufficient to keep Fernandez in the PSG hotseat however, following the missed championship, Fernandez left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the 1995–1996 season.
Fernández was then contacted by Athletic Bilbao from the Spanish La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
, a club Fernández managed to qualify for the Champions League, and where he would spend four seasons.
In 2000, Fernández returned to France and in December that year he once more took the seat at PSG, replacing Philippe Bergeroo
Philippe Bergeroo
Philippe Bergeroo is a former football goalkeeper from France, who earned a total number of three international caps for the French national team during the late 1970s, early 1980s. He was a member of the French squad in the 1986 FIFA World Cup...
. Even though he was in charge of a team of such stars as Jay-Jay Okocha
Jay-Jay Okocha
Augustine Azuka "Jay-Jay" Okocha is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is known for his stepovers, skill, technique, and being 'so good that they named him twice'...
, Nicolas Anelka
Nicolas Anelka
Abdul-Salam Bilal on 14 March 1979) is a French international footballer, who plays as a striker for English Premier League club Chelsea. Anelka was also a regular starter for the French national team...
and especially Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira , commonly known as Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaúcho, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Flamengo and the Brazilian national team as an attacking midfielder or forward. He is a two-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year, awarded to the best player over the year...
, Fernández never got the results to satisfy the ambitions of the club. In spite of the support of the fans with whom his popularity always remained very strong, Luis Fernández was fired at the end of the 2002–2003 season, after two and half years.
Real Betis Balompié
Luis Fernandez joined Real BetisReal Betis
Real Betis Balompié S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín....
half way through the 2006/2007 La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
season and Betis's centenary season. Fernandez was released on 10 June 2007 following a 5–0 loss at the Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera
Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera
The Estadio Benito Villamarín is a football stadium in Seville, Spain. It is the home stadium of Real Betis.- History :Sevilla Balompié, Real Betis Balompié precursor during the years 1907-1914, initially played in the Prado de San Sebastian. In 1920, they began to play in the field of Real...
to CA Osasuna
CA Osasuna
Club Atlético Osasuna, known as Osasuna, is a Spanish football team based in Iruñea-Pamplona, in the autonomous community of Navarre.Founded in 1920, it currently plays in the Spanish first division, holding home games at the 19,553-capacity Estadio Reyno de Navarra...
, with just one game remaining in Betis's
Real Betis
Real Betis Balompié S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín....
relegation threatened season. Including cup
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
games, Luiz Fernandez competed as Real Betis
Real Betis
Real Betis Balompié S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín....
manager in 26 games – winning 5, drawing 16, and losing 7. His tenure lasted from 27 December 2006 to 10 June 2007.
Stade de Reims
Luis Fernandez joined Stade de Reims half way through the 2008/2009 season. Reims were playing in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football, but Fernandez was unable to avoid relegation. He was replaced in June 2009 by Marc CollatMarc Collat
Marc Collat is a football coach born 24 May 1950 in Fort-de-France. He retired as coach in 2010 after promoting the Stade de Reims in ligue 2 for the second time.- References :...
.
Israel national team
On 21 March 2010, a press conference was held to announce Fernandez's appointment as the Israeli national teamIsrael national football team
The Israel national football team is the national football team of Israel, controlled by the Israel Football Association .Israel National Football is the direct successor of the Eretz Yisrael National Team during British Mandate...
's new head coach. His contract was not renewed after Israel failed to qualify for Euro 2012.
Honours
Player- Winner
- Coupe de FranceCoupe de FranceThe Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
: 1982 and 1983, with PSG. - Euro 19841984 UEFA European Football ChampionshipThe 1984 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in France. West Germany also bid for the hosting of this event. It was the seventh European Football Championship, held every four years and endorsed by UEFA...
, with the French national team. - Artemio Franchi TrophyArtemio Franchi TrophyThe Artemio Franchi Trophy was a competition held twice between the champions of the European Football Championship and the Copa América...
: 1985, with the French national team. - French Ligue 1Ligue 1Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
: 1986, with PSG.
- Coupe de France
- Runner-up
- Coupe de FranceCoupe de FranceThe Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
: 1985, with PSG.
- Coupe de France
Manager
- Winner
- Coupe de FranceCoupe de FranceThe Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
: 1995, with PSG. - Coupe de la LigueCoupe de la LigueThe Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel...
: 1995, with PSG. - Trophée des ChampionsTrophée des championsThe Trophée des champions , is a French association football trophy contested in an annual match between the champions of Ligue 1 and the winners of the Coupe de France. It is equivalent to the Super Cups found in many countries...
: 1996, with PSG. - Cup Winners' Cup: 1996, with PSG.
- UEFA Intertoto CupUEFA Intertoto CupThe UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup and originally called the International Football Cup, was a summer football competition for European clubs that had not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The competition was discontinued...
: 2001, with PSG.
- Coupe de France
- Runner-up
- French Ligue 1Ligue 1Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
: 1996, with PSG. - Spanish La LigaLa LigaThe Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
: 1998, with Athletic BilbaoAthletic BilbaoAthletic Club, also known as Athletic Bilbao, is an association football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Spain. The club has played in the Primera División of La Liga since its start in 1928. They have won La Liga on eight occasions...
.
- French Ligue 1