A role model
“Coach Tabárez’s achievements over the years he has been training players are plain to see,” says Mag. Liliana Jabif, academic coordinator ofthe Center for Continuing Education in Higher Education (CAES).
But not just because of the matches he won and the achievements he made, such as finishing fourth at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa or winning the 15th Copa América with the Uruguayan national team in 2011.
In his view—and from an educational perspective—one of Tabárez’s most significant contributions is learning by modeling, a strategy in which people learn by observing and imitating the behaviors of others.
Jabif believes that the head coach, whether consciously or unconsciously, has employed this strategy because he has served as a role model for the players: “He is a serious, well-prepared, and well-trained individual.”
He also noted that the players he has trained have sought to grow and develop both personally and professionally. “They have been excellent ambassadors for Uruguay around the world, which is no small feat given that soccer is a sport that reaches millions of people,” he said.
Let it shine
The academic coordinator of the Master’s Program in Coach Education, Mag. Gabriela Bernasconi—who admits she is no soccer expert—emphasizes that Tabárez “has been able to delegate leadership,” because he has allowed every player and technical advisor on the team to take on their share of leadership responsibilities.
For example, he recalled the spotlight that was shone on physical therapist Walter Ferreira following his work in rehabilitating soccer player Luis Suárez, enabling him to return to action for the 2014 World Cup.
“In any group, it is essential to be able to identify natural leaders—those who can influence others—but also to step back and give others the opportunity to shine,” the coordinator concluded.
Work: One of the Keys to Success
“Tabárez never tires of saying that soccer is a game influenced by chance, in which there are aspects that cannot be controlled,” Jabif notes.
In any case, he quickly adds: “If you want your employees to perform better, you need to implement strategies to achieve your goals and help them grow.”
In his view, the Master demonstrated that studying and preparing to win a match are among the key elements one can focus on to improve performance.
“Teachers also have a goal to achieve: ensuring their students learn. That is the great lesson Tabárez leaves us,” says Jabif. Bernasconi agrees: “A teacher isn’t just someone who teaches; they’re an expert in helping their students learn.”
Based on what they have observed in the national team’s matches, the coaches believe that teamwork and collaboration are essential aspects of coaching, but above all, it is about understanding each player’s unique qualities and developing their individual skills.
Tabárez's Legacy
“The national team touches on something about our identity—something I can’t quite put my finger on—but it makes us part of a collective whole, beyond the things that pit us against one another and divide us,” Bernasconi says.
"When Uruguay plays, people of all ages wave their flags, and the soccer players have become heroes and idols to the children, who watch them, imitate them, and look up to them as role models."
These days, more and more soccer players are choosing to pursue higher education. One such example is Agustín Nadruz, a player for Boston River who graduated with a degreein Marketing Analysis from Universidad ORT Uruguay.
According to Jabif, “In recent years, the status of the players has changed, as they have demonstrated that they can express themselves clearly and lead more professional lives.” “I believe that is closely linked to the influence of Coach Tabárez on the players he has trained,” he concluded.