Super Eagles' Finidi credits 75-year-old EURO-winning coach for inspiring his managerial style

Super Eagles interim manager, Finidi George. (Photo Credit: Imago)

FOOTBALL Super Eagles' Finidi credits 75-year-old EURO-winning coach for inspiring his managerial style

Super Eagles' Finidi credits 75-year-old EURO-winning coach for inspiring his managerial style

Izuchukwu Akawor • 13:19 - 27.03.2024

Super Eagles Interim Manager Finidi George says former Spain coach Luis Aragones impacted his managerial approach the most.

The interim Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has opened up about the influential role former Spain manager Luis Aragones played in shaping his coaching philosophy.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the Enyimba manager spoke before leading the Super Eagles temporarily in Morocco following the departure of former boss Jose Peseiro. 

Finidi reveals coaching influences

Speaking to Sportsboom, the 52-year-old revealed that Aragones' unique approach to man-management had the biggest impact on him during his time as a player working under various top coaches.

"I've worked with so many coaches, from the late Luis Aragones to [Louis] van Gaal, Guus Hiddink, [Javier] Clemente, [Clemens] Westerhof," George said. 

Finidi George has impressed at Enyimba and was assistant to Jose Peseiro in the Super Eagles.
Finidi George has impressed at Enyimba and was assistant to Jose Peseiro in the Super Eagles.

"Over the years, I've worked with these coaches, but I think it was the former Spanish coach, Aragones, that impacted me the most."

The former Nigeria international praised Aragones' ability to keep the entire squad engaged and content, even those not featuring regularly in the team.

Luis Aragones led Spain to the European Champion title in 2008.
Luis Aragones led Spain to the European Champion title in 2008. (Photo Credit: Imago)

"Aragones' way of managing players was fantastic because even those that were not playing were happy to be in the team. It is really difficult for a coach to achieve," George said.

Now in the hot seat as the interim Super Eagles coach, George acknowledged the challenges of maintaining harmony within a large squad, something he believes Aragones mastered.

The first Super Eagles team under Finidi George before the game against Ghana.
The first Super Eagles team under Finidi George before the game against Ghana. (Photo Credit: theNFF/Facebook)

"Now, as a coach, I reflect and see it's not an easy job, managing a team of 25+ players throughout a season without conflict, it's fantastic," he said.

George, who is in the running for the permanent Super Eagles job, also emphasized the importance of his domestic league experience in shaping his coaching approach.

Finidi George has been with the Super Eagles for nearly two years.
Finidi George has been with the Super Eagles for nearly two years. (Photo Credit: Imago)

"Coming back to coach in the Nigerian League helped me, all credit to Enyimba. If I had been in Europe, that would be difficult," he said.

Finidi George's insights into his coaching inspirations and the value of domestic league experience have now been closely watched by Nigerian football fans, who were eager to see what the Enyimba man had to offer.

Enyimba are Nigeria's most successful team with 9 titles. (Photo Credit: Imago)

He passed his first audition as Super Eagles manager after leading the team to a brilliant 2-1 win against West African rivals Ghana in their first game in Morocco.

However, things did not go as planned for the former Ajax winger as Nigeria’s Super Eagles lost the battle of the Eagles following a 2-0 defeat to a stubborn Mali side.

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The Nigerian football legend has had a successful stint as Enyimba manager, where he led the club to their ninth Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title in just his second season.

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