The Unconventional Rise of Velibor Milutinović: From War Orphan to World Cup Coach
By
Leander Schaerlaeckens
Fresh out the oven, still warm. Top of the tray.
Summary
An excerpt from Leander Schaerlaeckens' book "The Long Game" profiling Velibor Milutinović (Bora), a Yugoslavian-born soccer coach who overcame a difficult childhood orphaned by WWII to become a successful coach in Mexico and later managed the Mexican national team. The excerpt highlights his unconventional coaching approach and how he revitalized a struggling team ahead of World Cup preparations.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledVelibor Milutinović, or Bora to both friend and foe, was born in Yugoslavia and orphaned by World War II.
After a childhood spent kicking an inflated pig's bladder around in the streets, he and his two brothers made the national team.
With an unconventional approach, he brought a moribund team to life.
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