You don’t have to be a giant to reach the top. The 177 centimetres that make up the solid frame of Gabriel Heinze might not present him as an imposing figure at first glance.
But it is his remarkable grit and determination that have allowed him to climb the football world.
Born in the rugged Argentine province of Entre Rios, Heinze has conquered many countries with his all-action defensive style. And in his first experience as an assistant coach, he’s making history.
Invited by his friend Arteta to give the Arsenal defence that extra edge to finally break through, the Argentine responded in his own way. That is, by instilling in the players the confidence needed to shake off doubts and win.
His psychological work was crucial for both the Gunners’ coach and the players after the 2-1 defeat on April 19th at the Etihad, home of Manchester City, where a banner read “Panic on the streets of London”.
'Man of admirable nobility'
Someone who knows the former Argentine defender very well is Fernando Signorini, who, as fitness coach for the Argentina national team at the 2010 World Cup, had Heinze under his wing when he was helping Diego Maradona prepare training sessions.
What Signorini highlights most about Heinze is his human side: "He comes from a very close-knit family and is a man of truly admirable nobility of spirit, one of those who say what they think, who embody sincerity, but also respect."
For the Argentine fitness coach, Heinze was a crucial figure in Arsenal’s Premier League triumph: "His presence and his voice in the dressing room were very well received by the players, as were his words of encouragement and his approach to football."
One of those who benefited most was undoubtedly the Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes, his namesake and fellow left-footer, with whom he developed an understanding that went far beyond the classic rivalry between the two footballing schools.
In fact, Arsenal picked up 70 yellow cards last year and as many as six reds throughout the league, while this year there hasn’t been a single sending off and bookings dropped to just 50.
Coincidence? Probably not, because the Argentine is relentless, getting into his players’ heads and helping them overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Attention to detail
Coming from a tough environment like Rosario, the Argentine city known for the passion of the fans of his former side Newell's Old Boys and rivals Rosario Central - as well as for the current sad scene dominated by drug cartels - Heinze brought both anger and pragmatism to football.
A tough but effective defender, as a coach, he has shown obsessive attention to detail, just like his mentors Alex Ferguson and Marcelo Bielsa.
Javier Vilamitjana, a football fitness and science coach who worked with Heinze at Godoy Cruz, Argentinos Juniors, Velez, Atlanta United and Newell's Old Boys, confirms his extreme theoretical and tactical preparation.
"Gabi is an extremely methodical coach; he leaves nothing to chance in his analysis. Training as a player at the highest level forged his character, which was already determined from birth," says Vilamitjana, who recalls that during the 2010 World Cup campaign, then Argentina coach Maradona chose Heinze as vice-captain behind Javier Mascherano.
Honest communication
Heinze’s human side matches his technical qualities. As Vilamitjana himself points out: "Gabi speaks English, French, and Spanish, and gives each player special and unique attention.
"Arteta, who met him as a youngster at PSG and later spent a lot of free time with him when he played for Everton and Heinze was at United, chose him for his insatiable desire to compete and win, and it showed in his first season at Arsenal."
The best quality his former assistant highlights about Arsenal’s assistant coach is his directness, mixed with humility: "He and Arteta are great friends, but when Gabi has something to say, he doesn’t stick to protocol; he’s just honest.
"If tempers flare, he lets things cool down and, after a while, knocks on Mikel’s office door and they pick up the conversation again."
A key figure behind the scenes in Arsenal’s great season as they chase a historic double this Saturday in Budapest, Heinze is obsessed with meticulous work.
Vilamitjana recalls: "As soon as a match ended, on the bus ride back, he was already asking his assistants for data on the next opponent, whom he hadn’t even considered yet. He never took a break, even if we won and were happy. His strength lies in the absolute determination that radiates from his soul."
The only Argentine present in the final at the Puskas Arena, the 48-year-old from Entre Rios will be seeking his first Champions League title - a trophy he never lifted as a player.
And, thanks to the quirks of fate, he’ll have to do it against Luis Enrique, who coached him during his time at Roma, and whom he’ll greet with a hug before kick-off. Then, pleasantries aside, it will be time to fight to win. As always.