Discovering the Artistic Side of Lionel Messi: A Candid Conversation with Robert Moreno

Robert Moreno has been out of the game for over a year since leaving his role as head coach of Granada. Despite starting his coaching journey at the age of 14, the 45-year-old is feeling the absence from the field. While he values the extra time with his two children, Moreno is still devoted to his craft and spends his days analyzing videos after dropping them off at school.

"It's unimaginable for me to work without video, given my background as a video analyst," says the speaker. Even when it comes to his personal life, football remains a constant presence. "It's not easy when the sport is such a big part of your life. In fact, I even met my wife through football," he chuckles. "It's not just a job to me, it's a passion."

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Robert Moreno won eight and drew two of his 10 games in charge of Spain

After serving as Luis Enrique's assistant during Barcelona's 2015 Champions League victory and joining him at the helm of the Spain national team in 2018, Moreno took over as head coach for a successful 10-match unbeaten streak, securing eight wins. However, their relationship eventually soured upon Luis Enrique's return, leading Moreno down a different path under intense and unwelcome scrutiny.

Despite his impressive achievements in the football industry, Moreno chooses to remain tight-lipped on a particular topic, indicating that it is off-limits. This is unfortunate, especially considering the arduous journey he took to achieve success in his profession. However, when the conversation shifts to football, Moreno proves to be a captivating conversationalist. He recalls training young children at a young age, acknowledging that he recognized his own limitations as a player. At the age of 16, he attempted to obtain the UEFA B Licence, but was required to wait until he turned 18. Nevertheless, he remained undeterred and began studying for the Pro Licence, which he ultimately received at the age of 25.

To improve my skills as a non-professional player, I sought solutions in two ways. First, I delved into football literature and expanded my reading to include books on subjects like communication and human relationships. Second, I embraced emerging technology, which was still new at the time. In 1995, I began recording my team in Catalunya with the help of my girlfriend - now wife - and family, recognizing the potential for technology to play a key role in football's future. Starting early allowed me to gain a competitive edge.

To go from there to training Lionel Messi must have been extraordinary. Not that he would describe it as training Messi.

"We worked together," says Moreno, laughing.

"I did not train him. He was there and I was there."

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Lionel Messi was a player unlike any other at Barcelona, says Robert Moreno

Encourage him to share his insights.

Guide the other players to become viable alternatives or solutions for him on the field. He will likely be the one identifying the opponent's vulnerabilities and looking for ways to capitalize on every opportunity he has with the ball.

During the team's training sessions, he observed attentively without uttering a word. He possessed an innate ability to anticipate his opponent's next move, rendering analysis unnecessary. His intelligence on the field was unmatched, making him the most astute player in any game.

Observing him during everyday training was a spectacle in itself. His unwavering drive to win was palpable, evident not only during matches but also in training sessions. He relentlessly pursued championship victories, time and time again.

"He has an innate talent, but he also works incredibly hard. He puts in so much effort, both on and off the pitch, and that is what sets him apart. He is constantly looking for ways to improve and he never settles for mediocrity. That is something I have tried to take with me in my own career and in my personal life as well."

As a coach, it can be tempting to want to see your own ideas play out on the field. However, when you have a player of Messi's caliber, it's important to recognize and respect his unique abilities. Sometimes, as a coach, it's necessary to take a step back and let the player take the lead, because their mind is capable of creating things that we cannot even imagine. It truly is an art.

The best players in the world possess a level of skill that is difficult to put into words. Even when asked to explain why they made a certain move or decision, they often cannot fully articulate the thought process behind it. They simply follow their instincts and make split-second decisions based on what feels like the best solution in the moment.

As a leader, it's important to recognize that your role isn't always to provide extensive guidance. Instead, your primary focus should be to assemble your team in a way that maximizes their collective strengths. In certain situations, this may require you to step back and allow your team to take the reins.

What sets top-tier players apart is their ability to operate independently. They don't require constant instruction or guidance - they understand the value of having someone in a leadership position who can make strategic decisions and select the best team configuration. However, it's important to acknowledge that not all players possess this level of self-sufficiency.

As an individual hailing from Catalunya, it's understandable why Pep Guardiola holds a special place in his heart. However, it's not just Guardiola's principles that fascinate him, but also his seldom-discussed adaptability. Having witnessed Guardiola's evolution in tactics during his tenure at Manchester City, he recognizes the importance of constantly changing one's approach to avoid predictability and stay ahead of opponents. Moreno explains that this is one of the many admirable traits of Guardiola.

In 2008, Barcelona's unique build-up strategy from the goalkeeper was unchallenged, allowing them to dominate possession without opposition pressuring them. But with the passing of time, this has changed, and now pressing high is a common tactic adopted by teams worldwide. This necessitates a new approach that takes into account the risk involved in building up play from the back. This is where Pep's use of direct balls to Haaland comes in, as it is a smart way to exploit the space left behind by a high-pressing team. The ultimate goal is to strike a balance between building up play without risking losing possession and exploiting opportunities to launch counter-attacks.

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The statistics reveal that merely one percent of attacks initiated by the goalkeeper result in a goal for the opposition. However, a staggering eight percent of such attacks culminate in a counter-attack against your team. It is imperative to manage these scenarios effectively to prevent them from occurring.

A coach's role encompasses leadership, scouting, tactics, and methodology. The latter is particularly crucial as having a brilliant concept is futile if it cannot be effectively communicated to the team for execution on the field.

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Former Spain head coach Robert Moreno has been following the Championship

Instead, he admires the tactical approach of Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United and the passion of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. He also follows the progress of up-and-coming coaches like Scott Parker at Fulham and Graham Potter at Brighton. Moreno believes that studying a variety of styles and philosophies can only make him a better player and help him succeed at the highest level.

"I have my sights set on England as my next coaching destination. I've already had the opportunity to work in Spain, Italy and France during my time as head coach of Monaco, and I also have an admiration for Portuguese football. I'm fluent in all of these languages, having worked hard to develop my English skills through my work with LaLiga TV. When it comes to the Championship, I have a particular appreciation for Swansea's rollercoaster style of play, while Sunderland may not have secured promotion, I still respect their efforts. As for Luton, while their style may not align with my personal preference, I have great admiration for their ability to achieve their goals in their own way."

"I recognized the need to enhance my communication skills with the media," he expresses.

"Moreover, if one has an ardent love for this sport, a visit to England is a must. The way the fans live through the matches, even in the Championship, is unparalleled. The standard of the Championship is amongst the finest in Europe, and its teams can compete with those in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France."

"I have my eyes set on several countries, but I believe England is the ideal destination for my next career move. My ultimate goal is to secure a job for the upcoming season and experience the thrill of the game once more. A project that benefits both me and the club is what I am looking for. Only time will tell what the future holds."