by Giovanni Santaniello
She was called to lead Baronissi in the third category: «I am inspired by Davide Nicola by temperament but I would like to meet Claudio Ranieri: a gentleman on the pitch»
Marina Rinaldi, or rather: Mister Marina Rinaldi.
«Yes, I call myself mister even though I became a full-fledged woman eleven years ago».
His story caused a sensation a few years ago: the first transgender coach in the history of football. She was on the bench with the women’s Salernitana team, after a apprenticeship among local teams in Salerno where she was born and raised, and the first sporting tasks that had been entrusted to her by two priests. “I ended up having journalists at my house,” she says, “which I didn’t like at all: I’m not cut out to be at the center of media attention.”
For many of his colleagues, however, it is a must to be the center of attention. «I am now a woman like the others. And I would like people to talk about me like a normal person.”
The normal one, unlike the Mourinho specials. But before training and hormone treatments, he was a goalkeeper.
“I’ve always loved football.”
Then his career on the bench.
«This year, thanks to President Tony Siniscalco’s Baronissi, I celebrate twenty years. Once again I took over the running: it happens to me often. They call me when there are problems to solve. So much so that they call me “Nicolina”, to compare me to Davide Nicola. And I try to do it with the same temperament as him.”
Why does he continue to call himself mister?
«Marina would be too confidential».
How has the world of football changed in these two decades as a coach?
«For amateurs it has improved a lot. There are better equipped facilities, better technicians, in general more preparation to welcome the kids.”
And who also changed sex?
«I have never suffered discrimination in the world of football. The amateur world is much better than the professional one, believe me.”
Zero problems, on the bench and off.
«Only skirmishes that end up on the field and that happen to everyone. I am a serene woman, gentle even if full of competitive spirit. And football is my oasis of happiness, like religion.”
She is a practicing Catholic.
«I am a very believer. And I go to Mass every week: maybe on Saturday if I have a match on Sunday.”
You play as you live: did former Roma player Nicolas Burdisso say the right thing?
«Quite right: we only play well if we feel good about ourselves. And for this reason I bring the philosophy of Christ into football.”
If not the Gospel, does he impose a code of ethics on his teams?
«I believe that a coach should not only teach tactical modules, but also the importance of being there for each other, loyalty and respect for opponents».
Woe to protesting over the top or simulating?
«Padre Pio said that every day is one more day to love».
He owes his debut on the bench precisely to the Church.
«To Don Michele Alfano and Don Giuseppe Greco, the parish priests of Rufoli and Ogliara, districts of Salerno, my city: they entrusted me with San Michele, third category. The Church welcomes everyone.”
His Salernitana, however, is preparing again for the hell of Serie B. Despite four coaches.
«Everyone has disappointed me. Paulo Sousa first and foremost: after last year’s salvation, he had to say clearly that he no longer had any incentive to stay here and leave.”
He has now obtained his UEFA B licence.
«I can coach up to the D series. But soon I will start studying for the UEFA A series too. Even if I will always prefer the amateur world to the professional world».
A world apart.
“To be honest, sometimes we too have to defend kids from unscrupulous people who only see them as an opportunity to make money.”
It’s not his only project.
«For a year I have been teaching ceramics in a technical institute in the province of Salerno. But at the same time I’m studying to graduate in physical education: my dream is to teach physical education, as well as continue with football.”
With what objective?
«Guiding young people: they must find an opportunity for growth in sport. Clean faces, like the one I take inspiration from: Ayrton Senna, an example of life. But also to fulfill another wish of mine.”
Which?
«Embracing Claudio Ranieri, the best Italian coach. And I’m not just saying this because of his elegance: this year in Cagliari he is performing another miracle.”
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May 1, 2024 (modified May 2, 2024 | 10:34)
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