Until just a month ago, no Spanish coach could say they had won the Chinese Super League. The first to achieve this was Pedro Morilla (October 31, 1972, Seville), who together with Wuhan Three Towns, a recently promoted team, broke all predictions on the course that ended in December 2022.
Congratulations on the championship! They’re not among the favorites, are they?
The truth is, no. We are a recently promoted team, but we have been involved from the beginning to the top and look… soccer stuff.
How many greeting messages have you received in the past few days?
They made me happy a lot. Especially the one with Gregorio Manzano, who knows Chinese soccer and was my coach when I was a Talavera player.
There’s been a bit of a recession in Chinese football in recent years, right?
Yes, it changed in terms of politics. An incredible amount was spent on some footballers and there was a long gap in that regard. Now the Chinese footballers have been promoted who are thinking of playing the World Cup again. Foreign footballers keep coming, but there is a salary cap and with rules like this there can only be six foreigners in the squad, five on call-up and four playing. And the goalkeeper must be Chinese.
Were you always clear about making the step from player to coach?
Yes. In fact, at the age of 25-26 I won all three titles and in my last years as a player I combined it with being a coach. With Ciempozuelos, from one day to the next I went from coaching the youth team and playing with the first team to taking care of it and being the coach of my teammates.
How did the possibility of training in China come about?
A representation company contacted me to manage the China Under-15s. In the end it didn’t work out, but the possibility arose to take over the sports management of the youth team project where I am now. And last year I managed the first team as a coach.
You worked in the technical secretariat of Betis and Granada. Do you prefer offices or the field?
I like offices, but the field appeals to me more. When I can, I fix it.
How are Pedro Morilla’s teams playing?
I adapt to what I have, but I like to dominate systems with three back lines and systems with four back lines. And always more offensive than defensive. This year we played 3-4-3, with the long wings providing width and the wings coming inside.
What is the key to current football?
Mastery of transitions. And then it is very important to be dominant in strategy as well. You have to find the balance and the ‘ABC’ of football, good attacking but strong in defence.
Will we soon have him training in Spain?
Right now I have a valid contract in Wuhan, but I want to go back one day. I thank the team for the job I have, because I am privileged, but returning to Spain in the future is always there.
And train abroad?
When you go out, you open yourself up to any project that interests you. The return to Spain is there, but there are also attractive places like Japan or Arabia where soccer is growing a lot.
Do you follow LaLiga?
Yes, as long as I can. First, Second and First RFEF.
Leaving Madrid and Barça, which teams do you particularly like?
Real Sociedad, Rayo Vallecano, Osasuna and Betis are calling my attention in the First Division. Everyone has their own style competes well.
Is the coach always learning something new or has a plateau been reached?
I haven’t reached that moment yet. The coach continues to grow because football, with its various game systems, never stops developing.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
No idea. I focus on the present.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
