Former coach to witness Hincapie and Pacho clash in Champions League final
The Ecuadorian tactician, who managed both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain defenders at Independiente del Valle, describes the pair as 'competitive animals' ahead of the weekend's showdown.
Miguel Angel Ramirez, the former coach of Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie and Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho, has confirmed he will attend the Champions League final on Saturday. Ramirez, who previously managed both Ecuador internationals at Independiente del Valle, expressed satisfaction at the opportunity to watch his former charges face each other in European football’s most coveted prize.
Ramirez, who described the pair as "competitive animals" since their academy days, noted that both players made their first-team debuts under his guidance. He highlighted Hincapie’s technical proficiency, recalling that the defender was "really good on the ball" with a strong tactical understanding when he joined the first team at under-18 level. The two centre-backs were teammates for one year at Independiente del Valle before Hincapie moved to Talleres in 2020.
The upcoming final marks a significant reunion for the duo, who previously faced each other in a competitive fixture two seasons ago when Pacho played for Eintracht Frankfurt and Hincapie for Bayer Leverkusen. Ramirez indicated that the match represents a positive development following his recent dismissal from his current coaching role, stating he was initially unable to attend due to professional commitments.
Communication between the coach and players resumed shortly after Ramirez’s departure from his post. Pacho had texted Ramirez a few weeks prior to the final to inquire about his attendance. Following his sacking, Ramirez promptly contacted Pacho to confirm he would be present, describing the situation as a "positive side of the story" and a great opportunity to witness the players' progression.
The final pits Premier League champions Arsenal against defending European title holders Paris Saint-Germain. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has predicted the contest will be a "fifty-fifty" affair, underscoring the even nature of the encounter between the two clubs. Ramirez’s attendance adds a personal dimension to the institutional stakes of the match, linking the current elite level of play back to his tenure in Ecuador.
