Ossie Ardiles: 1978 and all that

In part two, Ossie delves into that famous World Cup win in 1978. How legendary manager César Luis Menotti broke the mould in Argentinian coaching by letting his players fully express themselves – Ossie flourished under him. He tells us about how he nearly missed the final against the Netherlands and had to play through the pain barrier due to a foot injury. But it was even worse for the great Leopoldo Luque, who played not only while carrying an injury but who had lost his brother in a road accident during the tournament.

Ossie talks about how his happy time at Tottenham Hotspur suddenly went dark when the Falklands – or Malvinas – War broke out. His cousin was killed early in the conflict, and Ossie felt isolated, abused and rootless in London. But after an unhappy spell in Paris he came back to White Hart Lane and helped Spurs win the UEFA Cup. He also helped mend bridges between Britain and Argentina, and he’s been mending them ever since.

There’s thoughts on Diego versus Lionel, on Mario Kempes, Glenn Hoddle and José Mourinho’s chances at Spurs.

Just a brilliant, fascinating Big Interview.

Graham.

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