If there’s a showdown between coaches that grabs attention in the world of futsal, it’s the one featuring Spanish Jesús Velasco and Portuguese Nuno Días in the UEFA Futsal Champions League’s second semi-final between Barça and Sporting. It’s a clash reminiscent of the famous battles between Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho, but in a futsal context. These two are the most successful coaches of the past decade, yet their styles couldn’t be more different. This rivalry, spanning a decade, adds another thrilling chapter this Friday in Yerevan.
The Karen Dermichyan Arena will witness their sixth European encounter, a rivalry that began ten years ago. The first four clashes saw Velasco’s Movistar Inter facing off against Días’ Sporting, with Velasco winning twice in finals and once in a semifinal. However, the balance shifted in favor of Velasco with Barça’s 4-0 victory over Sporting in the 2022 final. Velasco has become a thorn in Días’ side, denying him UEFA Futsal Champions League victory three times, including in the two occasions Sporting failed to score, both in continental finals.
Showdown
While Días aims to match Velasco’s three Champions League wins, he desires to achieve it with his beloved Sporting, the club he’s dedicated his coaching career to. Velasco’s record of 38 titles, including league wins in Italy, Spain, and France, speaks volumes of his coaching prowess. Meanwhile, Días, known for his animated sideline presence, embodies Sporting’s aggressive style both on and off the court.
Their coaching philosophies couldn’t be more contrasting. Velasco favors a possession-based game with intricate movement, while Días’ Sporting relies on intense pressing and individual defensive prowess. Yet, both are master tacticians, and their clashes have often produced exhilarating matches in the UEFA Futsal Champions League.
In the buildup to their latest encounter, both coaches exchanged words, with Velasco expressing his team’s hunger for victory and Días acknowledging Barça’s strengthened lineup. Tonight’s match promises to be another epic chapter in their ongoing rivalry, with both coaches aiming for ultimate glory in Europe’s premier futsal competition.
