Riera shares his trait that draws comparison with Guardiola

Albert Riera discusses various topics in an exclusive interview with Bundesliga. Eintracht Frankfurt’s coach values his previous experiences with some of the footballing giants in shaping him as a coach.

“I was teammates with Xabi Alonso in Liverpool and Spain national team. We were from the same time as Arteta and Pepe Reina,” Riera revisits his playing career.  “When we retired, at more or less the same time, the (Spanish) federation organised a pro coach license for this group. I think it was the most beautiful moment for a lot of us.

“We had Xabi Alonso. Then, on one side, we had Raul, the captain of Real Madrid for many years. And, on the other side, Xavi Hernàndez, captain of Barcelona for many years. After two years of studying for their coaching license together, these two players came together. We were all thinking in the same way.”

Riera went on to explain further about the process of learning from fellow coaches. “It doesn’t mean we were copying each other. We have different concepts in football. There are a lot of different ways in which to play football, and you need to choose yours. It has to be yours, and you believe it.”

Frankfurt’s boss also had a chance to spend some time with Pep Guardiola. The former Manchester City player said his fellow countryman is ahead of the rest in experimenting with new ideas.

“Pep (Guardiola) is from another generation, but we’ve been together in some situations like golf tournaments, especially during the summertime,” Riera said in his in-depth interview with Bundesliga. “We know what Pep is like in football. He was ahead of the rest in trying things.

“Now, he’s adapting his ways because people know him, and he needs to surprise them. Football is not just one idea. You need to progress, and you need to adapt. On this, Pep is not afraid to try things. I am like this, too. I’m not afraid to do things and to transmit ideas to the players.”