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The Athletic Bilbao head coach was the last sign of stability at the Mestalla, something his former players remember all too well
At the end of their 1-1 draw at San Mamés on Sunday afternoon, Valencia’s players headed across the pitch towards the tunnel, a rare look of enthusiasm in their eyes. Waiting for them was the bust of Pichichi, the striker with the hankie on his head who won his first Copa del Rey in 1914, and Marcelino García Toral, the manager who won his first 105 years after that. José Luis Gayá was the quickest to get there. Gabriel Paulista came next, then Maxi Gómez. Jaume Doménech followed, arms as wide as the smile on his face. Others soon joined, all hugs and happiness.
Football players and managers get reunited all the time. They’ve spent their lives watching people leave, seeing them again on the other side. Most are used to moving on and being brought back again, if briefly. And don’t think they like it that way. Every week there’s someone, some path crossing, the lack of fans and the closure of dressing rooms making the pitch more of a meeting point than ever before. But this was different, deeper, not just a high five and a hello. More public and meaningful, more nostalgic. Longer and warmer, symbolic, genuine and with a hint of rebellion too, something almost illicit in their unity – a reminder of how they were and how they should be. Continue reading...