Arsenal’s recent appointment of Andrea Berta as their new Sporting Director signals the arrival of a seasoned talent spotter with a proven track record of success at Atlético Madrid.
However, Berta’s esteemed reputation also includes some moments of touchline turbulence and a history of strong reactions towards referees, casting a controversial shadow over his otherwise distinguished career.
The date was April 13, 2022. The stage? The Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, hosting the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final between Atlético Madrid and Manchester City.
With City holding a 1-0 aggregate lead, the tension was intense.
As the final whistle blew, emotions reached boiling point. A scuffle erupted involving players and, notably, members of both clubs’ coaching and administrative staff.
Amidst the melee, cameras captured Atlético Madrid’s then Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, becoming embroiled in a heated exchange with a Manchester City staff member.
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Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, vs Manchester City in the Champions League, three years ago…
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Berta was seen appearing to slap Manchester City’s doctor, Max Sala, in the face as tensions continued into the tunnel.
This incident now resurfaces as Berta takes on a crucial role at Arsenal, succeeding Edu Gaspar.
The 53-year-old Italian arrives in North London with an impressive CV, built over nearly 12 years at Atlético Madrid. His tenure at the Spanish club was remarkably successful, witnessing two La Liga titles (2013/14 and 2020/21), a Europa League triumph (2018), a Copa del Rey victory, and a UEFA Super Cup.
Under his guidance, Atlético also reached the pinnacle of European club football, contesting two UEFA Champions League finals.
Unlike some sporting directors who prefer to observe from the stands, Berta is known to be a constant presence in the technical area, often sitting alongside the players and coaching staff, fully involved in the thick of the action.
Further evidence of Berta’s passionate involvement have resurfaced.
Allegedly, a decade prior to the Manchester City incident, referees in the Atlético Madrid tunnel filed a report detailing an encounter with Berta where he addressed them in a “loud and threatening” manner.
Moreover, in 2021, Berta’s frustration with officiating seemingly reached a boiling point once more, with reports suggesting he told another referee that he would “never come here again” due to his displeasure with the decisions made during a game.
Prior to his impactful stint in Spain, Berta honed his skills in technical roles at Italian clubs Parma and Genoa.
His reputation within the footballing world is largely built upon his astute understanding of the transfer market. Known for his ability to identify promising talent and construct competitive squads even under financial constraints, Berta’s key signings at Atlético Madrid included the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak, and Rodri – all acquired for relatively modest fees before becoming world-class players.
Berta’s footballing philosophy, as he once stated, emphasizes “vision, strategy, and trust in the process” over sheer financial power.
This approach appears to resonate with Arsenal’s current trajectory under manager Mikel Arteta.
Upon his unveiling at the Emirates, Berta expressed his admiration for Arsenal’s “unique identity and proud history,” conveying his honour at becoming part of the club’s future.
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke highlighted Berta’s “understanding of the game, his experience in managing resources effectively, and his ability to identify talent” as key reasons for his appointment. Kroenke also noted his “clarity of vision and his determination to build winning teams.”
While Berta’s arrival is undoubtedly a positive development for Arsenal, the memory of the touchline incident against Manchester City, coupled with his past confrontations with referees, paints a picture of a deeply passionate and sometimes volatile individual.
