If ever a book is written on the greatest coaches in football, Diego Simeone will find a glowing reference. The Argentine has transformed Atletico from a mid-table club to the only team challenging the Barcelona-Real Madrid duopoly. Under his tenure, Atletico have won seven trophies, including two La Liga titles. And apart from being an incredible coach, Simeone has recruited a star-studded staff that helps him implement his style. One of those is Oscar Ortega, Atletico Madrid’s fitness coach.
The Uruguayan, known as the ‘El Profe’, the teacher is famous or, should we say infamous, for his training methods. Ortega’s drills are one of the most intense in not only football but also in entire sports world. His philosophy is to improve players’ efficiency no matter what. And for this, he will leave no stone unturned—Ortega’s methods border on cruelty and demand 100 per cent physical commitment.
His philosophy is the reason Atletico Madrid are physically superior to almost any side in Europe. In addition, since Atletico does not have the financial resources of Europe’s top clubs, they must ensure they make their resources as efficiently as possible.
So, who is Oscar Ortega?
Who is Oscar Ortega?
Born on March 29, 1958, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Oscar Exequiel Ortega Del Rio Uberto is a master fitness instructor. Ortega worked as a fitness coach in Mexico, Colombia, and Japan before arriving in Spain. His first job was at Sevilla before arriving at Atletico in 2001. It was here that he and Simone would first meet.
Simeone was then a player in his second stint with Atletico Madrid. The Argentine was highly impressed with Ortega’s methods. Simone would depart the club in 2005 and, just a year later, would launch his coaching career.
And one of the first things he did was ask Ortega to join his coaching staff. He joined him as a fitness coach at Estudiantes, and 16 years later, the partnership is still going strong. The duo’s journey took them to River Plater, San Lorenzo, Catania, and Racing Club before concluding at Atletico.
Ortega has also served as fitness coach for Uruguay national team for four matches. He is also expected to go with the national team to the World Cup. Over these years, the fitness coach has established himself as one of the biggest names in the business.
ATENCIÓN. “No tengo tan claro que el Atlético Madrid autorice que trabaje en el Mundial. Es…
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