Vicente Miera (Nueva Montaña, Cantabria, 1940) is the last coach to be promoted to the First Division with Oviedo. He was 34 years ago, in an unforgettable 1988 for Oviedo. “I never saw anything like it,” recalls the Cantabrian, a discreet guy who lives between Madrid and Cantabria and who was everything in football: Real Madrid player, coach of teams like Oviedo, Sporting, Atlético de Madrid or Sevilla and also national selector. Oviedo keeps a special place in his memory, as he admits in this interview with LA NUEVA ESPAÑA at the most transcendental moment of the season for the blues, a few hours before a life or death duel against Las Palmas, tomorrow at 10:00 p.m. . With the help of his wife, Margot Puente, and one of his daughters, Andrea, Miera recalls a soccer life that began in a small town.
-How were your beginnings?
-I started in Nueva Montaña, in the team from my town and then I went to Rayo Cantabria and later to Racing de Santander. That same season the Racing managers called me and told me to get ready to sign for Real Madrid. So, almost no time to digest it. It all happened very quickly and in a few hours I signed for eight years with the Madrid club.
-Where he lived?
-In the first three years in a pension, then in Zárraga’s house, who was my partner. They welcomed me wonderfully and I stayed there until I got married.
-What was the best thing about Real Madrid?
-I have good memories. We were a fantastic team. They were all successes: European Cup, Leagues, trips abroad… In less than a month after my arrival we went to America to play in different places and cities. It was like living a wonderful dream. All this made me understand that I was in a great club.
-How do you endure so many seasons in a club like Madrid?
–Taking care of yourself and always being at the highest level. We had a great team and we worked hard.
–He shared a locker room with some historical players.
-I found the cream of Real Madrid. Bernabéu as president, Gento, Pachín, Marquitos, Puskas, Di Stéfano… Great teammates and great friends.
–And what was found in Gijón?
-At Sporting de Gijón I was a player for two years, it was an important change and they made me feel very good. They were very good years.
-Did you always know that you wanted to be a coach?
-Yes, I really liked that world and I started preparing myself. After my time in Gijón, in the summer I got the title in Madrid.
–It started in the Langreo.
-It was fantastic. They treated me very well and it was a very important stage for me to take the next steps as a coach.
–At only 34 years old, he took charge of Real Oviedo. What did he find?
– José María Velasco signed me, who always supported me and made me feel at home. I had Tensi and Vicente on the team. It was a fantastic team.
-Shortly after he went to Sporting. What did it mean for the time?
-The Sporting fans welcomed me very well from the first moment. Both in Oviedo and Gijón, despite the rivalry, they always supported me without problems.
–Did you leave such a good memory in Oviedo that you later returned?
-Well yes. With Asturias I have always had a very good feeling, and when Oviedo called me again I felt very honored. In fact, my daughter Andrea was born there.
-Before he went to Espanyol.
I think it was my time. Espanyol was a great club and with Mr. Meler as president I was really good. I have very good memories, also of the tour we did in the Philippines.
-Return to Sporting, Atlético de Madrid and ends in Oviedo in Second. Was it a step backwards?
-No, rather it was a greater motivation to achieve the success of promotion to First, which was an immense joy for everyone.
– Was there talk of promotion in that season?
-It was the goal that we had set for ourselves and that we finally achieved. There was hard work, a great team and some luck, which you always have to count on.
-You have been a coach, you have won leagues and you have achieved promotion, but… where do you place the success of 1988?
-It was a great success at the time of which I am very proud.
–Do you remember any anecdote after ascending?
–I remember that the bells of the Cathedral rang after the match in Mallorca: I never saw anything like it. Even the sportinguistas went to the airport to congratulate us.
-Then he only spent one season at Oviedo. Why?
-Other opportunities arose, I signed for another club and continued on my way.
–He has trained at Oviedo and Sporting. What is rivalry for you and how do you understand it?
-They are two teams from the same area with the same goals. They both want to win and have a base behind them, fighting with passion.
– Do you follow football today?
-Yes of course. I watch it on TV and follow the results.
-What do you think of Oviedo?
-He has been improving throughout the season and in this last game, against Zaragoza, I saw him really well. The result was a shame.
–¿Y al Sporting?
–It started very well, but the latest results have not done it justice. I wish both teams the best in the upcoming matches.
– Do you consider yourself loved in Asturias?
-Yes a lot. They have always remembered me and I have always received many expressions of affection from Asturians. In fact, although I was born in Cantabria, many people ask me if I am Asturian because of the good relationship I have always had with everyone.
-Do you think that Oviedo has the chance of being promoted?
-In football everything is possible, it would be a great joy for the fans.
– What experience allowed you to be a coach?
– Being chosen as coach was a great moment in my life. Thanks to this we achieved a great victory with gold in Barcelona-92, which laid the foundations for the future of national football.
– Do you miss football?
–Now I see it more calmly, but it is still part of my life. It is something that never leaves.
