There is a common denominator in the English, German, French and Spanish leagues. If you look up at the top of the classification you can see how teams led by Spanish coaches are fighting for the title. Xabi Alonso is one of the great revelations with Bayer Leverkusen, as is Míchel Sánchez at the helm of Girona. Meanwhile, Luis Enrique tries to set the course of PSG, perennial favorite in France, and a festival is taking place in the most competitive scene of the Premier League. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Josep Guardiola (Manchester City) and Unai Emery (Aston Villa) ride through the noble zone. Starting from different tactical concepts, all of them have a predilection for attacking football but they have shaken off the label of being only masters in the art of possession. Guardiola himself has been evolving without giving up his driving ideas to give a twist to his game plan. His modern methods, his tactical knowledge and his competitiveness are valued.
Away from the media spotlight of the major leagues, Spanish coaches also stand out. Hundreds of coaches of all characteristics and ages are spread all over the world. Many of them are young, mostly former elite footballers, like Iraola, at Bournemouth in the Premier League; Cesc Fàbregas, with his personal project in the Italian Como; Albert Riera, in a historic one like the Girondins of Bordeaux; Óscar García, in the Belgian OH Leuven, or Xisco Muñoz in the Slovenian league.
There is also the profile of an experienced technician who has made a career beyond our borders. Some of them are national team coaches, such as Thomas Christensen in Panama, Félix Sánchez in Ecuador, Tintin Márquez in Qatar, Carlos Alós in Belarus or Jesús Casas in Iraq. In addition, other well-known ones continue competing waiting to find a team in Spain at some point, such as Paco Jémez, now in the Iranian Tractor; Pepe Mel, at the Greek OFI Crete; Jordi Vinyals, in the Chinese league, or Robert Moreno, in the Russian one.
Champion numbers and dream football. The work of Míchel Sánchez (48 years old) is increasingly praised by critics. His Girona is the surprising leader of the League after 16 days, in which he has added 41 points and has done so by playing football that he is enthusiastic about.
Míchel, whose first experience was at Rayo Vallecano, is the umpteenth representative of the Cruyffista school. The Madrid native draws on the postulates of the Dutchman and his main disciple, Pep Guardiola, but in his book he has managed to implement verticality in the position game. His masterpiece came against Barça in Montjüic, where he beat Xavi’s team forcefully (2-4), but throughout the season he has left a trickle of great performances. The complicity with Quique Cárcel, sports director, and a humble attitude towards work and success have helped him form a group that is familiar with the greats like few have done during this century.
