César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo were two prominent figures in Argentine football, being the first coaches to lead the country to world glory. Despite their differences, their shared history is a fundamental part of the national sport.
Before Bilardo guided the National Team to victory in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, there was a significant episode involving both coaches. It was thanks to Roberto Saporiti, Menotti's assistant during the 1978 World Cup, that a dinner meeting between them was arranged. In that gathering, which lasted several hours, an "extraordinary respect" prevailed, according to Saporiti.
The former player and coach, champion with Independiente and Argentinos Juniors, lamented that the media and the passage of time have contributed to creating a narrative of antagonism between Menotti and Bilardo. Saporiti praised Menotti's futuristic vision in defining two eras of Argentine football: "before Menotti and after Menotti."
In an interview with the Argentine News Agency, Roberto Saporiti shared details about that historic dinner and his relationships with both coaches. He emphasized the importance of learning from both and fondly remembered his friendship with both coaches.
Saporiti also pointed out that the mutual respect between Menotti and Bilardo was clouded by the media influence of the time, which sought to highlight their differences. However, the legacy of both in Argentine football is undeniable and transcends any past disputes.
The former assistant to Menotti revealed anecdotes about his experiences with both coaches, recalling how they shared moments in football and personal life. Despite the tensions and disagreements that may have existed, Saporiti highlighted the importance of keeping alive the memory of Menotti and Bilardo as two of the greatest coaches Argentina has ever had.
The relationship between Menotti and Bilardo, marked by their differences and rivalry on the benches, was reflected in that unique dinner where two legends of Argentine football shared opinions and memories, revealing the complexity and richness of the history behind these two giants of the game.
