Federico Bessone (foto: Nogomania)
Olimpija coach Federico Bessone reflects on growing up with Lionel Messi and rebuilding the Ljubljana based club.
Federico Bessone arrived at Olimpija Ljubljana five months ago with modest coaching credentials but a clear mission: stabilise a broken dressing room and restore belief. Today, after three consecutive wins at the start of 2026, the atmosphere around the club has shifted dramatically.
The Argentine-born coach, raised in Spain and shaped by English football during his playing days, took charge as the third manager of a turbulent season. Olimpija had lost their European momentum and their title challenge had faded. Confidence was low.
“Today I told the players we must not forget how it was when I arrived. We were in a difficult situation, especially mentally. They lacked confidence. I introduced changes and I am proud they accepted them,” Bessone told Nogomania..
Growing up with Messi
Bessone’s formative years were spent at La Masia, where he shared the academy environment with Lionel Messi.
“I am three years older than Leo. When he arrived, he was quiet and shy. In the first season the club already saw his potential and quickly moved him up. Nobody could take the ball from him. We knew he would be good, but nobody could imagine what he would become. It was crazy,” he recalled.
La Masia shaped his football philosophy.
“In Barcelona everyone plays the same way, from the eight-year-olds to the first team. It is about values, identity and courage. I want my players to show personality.”
From Piqué’s Andorra to Ljubljana
Bessone later moved to FC Andorra, after Gerard Piqué purchased the club and invited him to join the project.
“Piqué bought the club in the fifth division and called me. I went. My family joined me and we still live there. It is beautiful, similar to Slovenia.”
His breakthrough moment as a coach came when his Andorran side defeated Borac Banja Luka 4-1 away.
“That was when they noticed me. Jurica Vranješ came to watch a Borac player and saw us instead. That was my first contact with Olimpija.”
Building belief
Bessone emphasised the importance of mentality and tactical clarity.
“Football can change in one or two matches. From tragedy to euphoria. But if we are not successful, the atmosphere will change again.”
He adapted his tactical system from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 and now operates with three defenders, drawing inspiration from coaches such as Roberto Martínez, Michael Laudrup, Paulo Sousa and Brendan Rodgers.
On his squad, he singled out Dimitar Mitrovski and Matevž Vidovšek for praise.
“Vidovšek is a big professional. For me, after Oblak, he is the second-best goalkeeper in Slovenia.”
Despite trailing Celje by 16 points, Bessone insists the title race is not over.
“We will fight until the end. We are still alive.”
From sharing a pitch with Messi to rebuilding Olimpija’s confidence, Bessone’s journey reflects resilience shaped by diverse football cultures — Argentine roots, Spanish schooling and English pragmatism.