 |
Luis CarnigliaArgentine footballer and coach
Date of Birth: 04.10.1917
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
- Early Career
- Injury and Recovery
- European Success
- Managerial Career
- Real Madrid (1957-1959)
- Arrival of Ferenc Puskas
- Italian Ventures and Return to Spain
- Milan and Deportivo La Coruna
- Late Managerial Career
- Post-Retirement and Legacy
Early Career
Olivos to Boca JuniorsLuis Carniglia began his football journey with 4th division Argentine club Olivos. After two seasons, he moved to Tigre. In 1936, Carniglia's childhood dream came true when he joined Boca Juniors. He made his debut in a friendly match in Parana, scoring in the 3rd minute before being forced off with a broken finger in the 5th. His competitive debut for Boca saw his team defeat Atlanta 3-0. Carniglia spent five years at Boca, winning the Argentine championship in 1940.
Injury and Recovery
Chacarita Juniors and AtlasCarniglia's Boca career was cut short by a leg fracture in a match against San Lorenzo in 1941. He spent three years recovering from the injury, playing for Chacarita Juniors and Mexican club Atlas.
European Success
Nice, Toulon, and French ChampionshipsIn 1951, Carniglia moved to Europe, joining French clubs Nice, with whom he won the Coupe de France in 1952 and 1954, scoring in both finals. He also won the French championship with Nice in 1952 and played for Toulon from 1952 to 1953.
Managerial Career
Nice (1955-1956)French Championship Title
Carniglia began his managerial career with Nice, leading them to the French championship title in his debut season. The club was renowned for its fast, attacking style, with minimal touches in transition.
Real Madrid (1957-1959)
European Cup and Spanish League TriumphCarniglia arrived at Real Madrid and immediately made a strategic change, moving Raymond Kopa to forward and legendary star Alfredo Di Stefano to midfield. This tactical masterstroke resulted in several brilliant victories. However, Di Stefano's desire for the limelight led to a conflict with Carnigilia, resulting in Di Stefano appealing to club president Santiago Bernabeu, who ordered Carnigilia to restore Di Stefano's original position. From that point, Carniglia hesitated to alter the team's formation or player positions without Bernabeu's approval. Despite this, the team won the Spanish league, the European Cup, and Carnigilia secured the signing of Uruguayan defender Jose Santamaria from South America.
Arrival of Ferenc Puskas
European Cup Victory and Coaching DismissalIn 1958, world football star Ferenc Puskas joined Real Madrid. Carnigilia focused on improving Puskas' physical fitness, leading him to shed 15 kg during the off-season. The season with Puskas was highly successful, with Real Madrid again winning the European Cup. However, Carnigilia's decision to leave Puskas out of the final match against Reims, which Real Madrid won 2-0, led to Bernabeu siding with the player and firing the coach.
Italian Ventures and Return to Spain
Fiorentina, Bari, and RomaCoppa delle Fiere Triumph
Carniglia moved to Italy, first managing Fiorentina and then Bari. In 1961, he took over Roma. He won the Coppa delle Fiere in his first season, although the tournament had begun under previous coach Alfredo Foni. The following season, Carniglia controversially released Juan Schiaffino, the club's only star player, arguing that he could no longer perform at the required level. Roma failed to win any further trophies under Carniglia and he was sacked midway through the 1963-64 season following conflicts with the club's management.
Milan and Deportivo La Coruna
Intercontinental Cup and Spanish Second DivisionCarniglia quickly found a new role with Milan, leading them to the Intercontinental Cup, where they lost in three matches to Santos Pelé. He then moved to Deportivo La Coruna, whom he led to relegation from the Spanish first division.
Late Managerial Career
Bologna, Juventus, and BordeauxItalian Serie A Medals and French Dismissal
Carniglia later coached Bologna, winning two Serie A medals, Juventus, and Bordeaux. His final managerial job was with Bordeaux, but he was dismissed after only 13 days due to a poor start to the season.
Post-Retirement and Legacy
Boca Juniors Director and Professional Footballers' UnionIn 1981, Carniglia became the general director of Boca Juniors. He later served as the first president of the Argentine Professional Footballers' Union. On June 22, 2001, Carniglia passed away. He was buried in the Maipú Cemetery in his hometown of Olivos.
