Ricardo La Volpe, Argentinian footballer, manager, and coach

Ricardo Antonio La Volpe Guarchoni (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈrikaɾðo la ˈβolpe]), born on 6 February 1952, is a highly distinguished Argentine former professional footballer and later a prominent manager. Known for his distinctive playing style and even more so for his innovative coaching philosophy, La Volpe left an indelible mark on both Argentine and Mexican football throughout a career spanning several decades.

A Distinguished Playing Career

As a professional footballer, La Volpe was a formidable goalkeeper. He is notably recognized as a World Cup winner, having been part of the Argentina national team squad that famously lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy on home soil in 1978. While he was the third-choice goalkeeper and did not feature in any matches during that historic tournament, his inclusion in the victorious squad solidifies his status as a World Cup champion. Throughout his playing career, La Volpe primarily showcased his talents in his native Argentina with clubs like Banfield and San Lorenzo, before making a significant move to Mexico, where he played for Atlante.

The Iconic Managerial Journey

Ricardo La Volpe transitioned from a celebrated player to an influential football manager, becoming renowned for his tactical prowess and a very specific, often debated, playing style known as the "Salida Lavolpiana." This philosophy emphasized playing out from the back with a deep-lying midfielder dropping between the central defenders, aiming to build attacks from deep and dominate possession, a concept that was quite advanced for its time and significantly influenced Mexican football.

National Team Leadership

La Volpe's coaching career saw him take the helm of two national teams: Mexico and Costa Rica. His most prominent national team tenure was with the Mexico national team, which he guided to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Under his leadership, Mexico displayed an attractive, possession-based style of play, progressing from the group stage before being narrowly eliminated in the Round of 16 by his native Argentina in a memorable match that went to extra time. His time with the Costa Rica national team, though shorter, also aimed to implement his distinct tactical approach.

Club Success and Influence

At the club level, Ricardo La Volpe's greatest triumph came in the 1992–93 season when he led Atlante to win the Liga MX title, marking a significant achievement in his managerial career and for the club. This championship solidified his reputation as a top-tier coach in Mexico. Beyond this title, he managed numerous other prominent clubs across both Mexico and Argentina, consistently leaving his tactical imprint. Some of the notable clubs he managed include:

• Club América (Mexico)
• Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas, Mexico)
• Atlas (Mexico)
• Toluca (Mexico)
• Boca Juniors (Argentina)
• Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina)

His work at these clubs often involved developing young talent and implementing his intricate attacking strategies, influencing a generation of players and coaches.

Retirement and Legacy

On 22 April 2020, in a candid interview with renowned sports journalist David Faitelson, Ricardo La Volpe officially announced his retirement from football management. This announcement marked the end of an illustrious career dedicated to the sport. La Volpe's legacy extends beyond his titles; he is remembered as a tactical innovator who challenged conventional approaches, fostered technical play, and significantly contributed to the evolution of football in Mexico, inspiring many to adopt a more intricate and possession-oriented style of play.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ricardo La Volpe

Was Ricardo La Volpe a World Cup winner as a player?

Yes, Ricardo La Volpe was part of the Argentina squad that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup. He was the third-choice goalkeeper for the team, although he did not play in any matches during the tournament.

What is the "Salida Lavolpiana" coaching philosophy?

The "Salida Lavolpiana" is a tactical concept popularized by Ricardo La Volpe. It involves a team playing out from the back by having a deep-lying midfielder drop between the two central defenders to receive the ball and initiate attacks, aiming to create numerical superiority and dominate possession from the defensive third.

Which national teams did Ricardo La Volpe coach?

Ricardo La Volpe coached both the Mexico national team (2002-2006) and the Costa Rica national team (2010-2011).

What major club title did Ricardo La Volpe win as a manager?

As a club manager, Ricardo La Volpe won the Liga MX title with Atlante during the 1992–93 season.

When did Ricardo La Volpe retire from management?

Ricardo La Volpe announced his retirement from football management on 22 April 2020.