Last update December 4, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
Review who was the best coach of the years 60 it seems complicated. Since that decade, represents one of the golden ages in the history of football. This period saw how sport evolved, How competitions such as the European Cup were consolidated and how tactics began to play a more relevant role in the game development.
Also the emergence of great figures like Pelé, Best And many others, and the prime and decline of soccer players like Di Stéfano and Kubala. In this context, The debate about who was the best coach of the decade is fascinating, But there is a name that stands out above the rest: Helenio Herrera, The mythical strategist of Inter Milan and one of the pioneers of modern football. And one of The most controversial trainers in history.
Helenio Herrera: The "Grande Inter" architect
Helenio Herrera, Born in Argentina and Naturalized French, is considered by many as The best coach of the years 60, And with just reason. It was during this decade that his career reached the cusp at the head of Inter Milan, to which he transformed into a practically invincible team known as the “Grande Inter”.
Herrera took the Italian club to the top of European football, implementing a revolutionary play philosophy based on the famous tactic of the "bolt", that combined a iron defense with lethal counterattacks. This strategy not only redefined how football was played at the time, but also marked the way for several generations of coaches who came later. And it is that it was known, It was a pioneer.
The achievements of Helenio Herrera in the years 60
Under the command of Helenio Herrera, Inter Milan dominated both domestic and international landscape. Its main successes include:
- Two European Cups (1963-64 Y 1964-65): On both occasions, Inter was consecrated as the best team on the continent, beating giants such as Real Madrid and Benfica.
- Two intercontinental glasses (1964 Y 1965): By overcoming South American teams as independent, Inter demonstrated its worldwide supremacy.
- Three Titles of Serie A (1962-63, 1964-65 Y 1965-66): Under his leadership, Inter also dominated the Italian League.
These achievements consolidated the reputation of Helenio Herrera as a brilliant strategist and a born motivator, Able to squeeze the maximum potential of its players. What also used the title of ‘controversy’ for some of his best known phrases.
Herrera not only revolutionized the tactical aspect of football, but also equipment management. He was one of the first coaches to understand the importance of psychology in sports performance, implementing motivation and disciplinary control techniques that are common today. Your famous phrase "Soccer is played with your head, Not with the feet " reflects its intellectual approach to sport. And it was not the only one of the known phrases of Helenio Herrera.
further, Helenio Herrera was known for his ability to read the games and make tactical adjustments in real time, a skill that allowed him to overcome some of the best teams and coaches of the time.
Other outstanding coaches of the years 60
Although Helenio Herrera shines with his own light, It is fair to mention other coaches who left a significant mark during this decade:
- Rinus Michels: Although its revolutionary impact came in the 70 With the "total football" of his "Mechanical orange“, Michels began to forge his legacy in Ajax during the years 60.
- Bill Shankly: The Scottish coach transformed Liverpool into a power in English football, laying the foundations for your future dominance.
- Vic Buckingham: Mentor de Rinus Michels, Buckingham led Ajax in the first steps towards the style that would revolutionize European football.
- Matt Busby: Despite the Munich tragedy 1958, Busby led Manchester United to win the European Cup in 1968, being the first English team to achieve this.
Why Helenio Herrera is considered the best coach of the years 60?
There are many obvious reasons to define that HH was the best coach of the decade 60. Helenio Herrera not only accumulated titles, but it also redefined the game and left a very marked path that would guide future generations.. Your ability to adapt, innovate and get the best of its players places it on the cusp of The soccer coaches of the years 60. While other names of the time stand out for their individual achievements, None managed to dominate European and world football as consistent as Herrera.
