Federico Bessone is the new head coach of NK Olimpija Ljubljana’s first team. Today, he signed a contract in the club offices until the end of the current season, with an option to extend for an additional year. He is joined by assistant coach Enric Pi and fitness coach Fran Nunez. Ivan Senzen, Josip Skorić, Ivan Zorić, Nikola Vidović, and Ažbe Ribič will continue in their roles on the coaching staff.

The 41-year-old Argentine, who grew up in Spain, boasts a diverse playing career. He started in Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy. He spent most of his senior playing career on English pitches, where he represented Leeds, Charlton, Swindon, Swansea, Millwall, and Oldham. He concluded his playing career in Andorra, where his coaching journey also began.

First, in the 2021/22 season, he led Inter d’Escaldes and won the Super Cup trophy with old acquaintances of the Dragons. The following season, he moved to Atletic d’Escaldes and won the Andorran championship with the club. After lifting the trophy, he transferred to Santa Coloma, with which he also performed excellently in this year’s Conference League qualifications, where he eliminated the heavily favored Borac from Banja Luka, among others.

Upon signing the contract, he said: “I’m very happy, I was looking forward to my first day at Olimpija since this morning. The reception from everyone at the club was excellent, despite the poor recent results, for which I’m extremely grateful.”

About the style of play we can expect, he said: “My football philosophy is primarily related to possession-based play, which I experienced as a player at Barcelona, Espanyol, and also in England with Swansea.”

To the fans, he says: “We’re in a difficult period, but despite this, the support from the stands is loud. I hope they will continue to support the team, and we will do everything to repay that support with attractive football and victories.”

Federico, welcome to the Dragon’s Nest!