Albert Riera: "Coaching is the second-best profession in the world"

Albert Riera gave an exclusive interview for Bundesliga as he looked back on his playing career. The 43-year-old also answered questions about his relationship with the German media.

“I am the person I am today because of all these experiences,” said Riera regarding the impact of his playing career that saw him play in seven different countries. “I’m grateful for all the coaches I had, for all the experiences, teammates, and situations. Without them, I couldn’t have had this knowledge and information I now have.”

Riera was also asked about his passion for football in an exclusive midweek interview with Bundesliga. “If you’re doing something that you love, you can progress and do better. What I don’t like is sitting in an office in front of a computer. So, I think for a person and human being, you need to love what you’re doing. I love what I’m doing.

“I always say this is the second-best profession in the world. The first is being a football player. The second is to manage the football players. So, as a coach, I’m loving what I’m doing. This is my fifth year as a head coach. I love what I’m doing. That’s key in life for every person.”

Riera has left a very good impression in his first media appearances in German football. He also showed his self-confidence in the response to the unfair criticisms of Max Kruse and Martin Harnik in their “Flatterball” podcast.

“It’s not things where I think if I say something, you will like me more or more people will like me,” Riera said regarding his approach in press conferences. “You ask me, and I answer how I feel. I try to tell the truth, because with the truth, you go everywhere.

“This is how I was raised at home, and it’s who I am. I cannot be any different. In public, we try to be polite and diplomatic 90% of the time. Maybe everyone is saying similar things. But that’s what you will get when you ask me questions.”