Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Glauber Berti, who is currently the director of soccer at Nacional A.C., formerly known as São Paulo Railway, has a fascinating story to tell. Before taking up his management role, Berti had a successful career as a player, especially during his time at Manchester City, when the club underwent a transformation phase under the ownership of the Abu Dhabi United Group.
Although Berti’s playing time on the pitch was limited, his unwavering work ethic made him beloved by the fans, who affectionately nicknamed him “The Invisible Man”. Berti recalls his experiences during open training sessions, where the fans always witnessed his dedication and commitment, leading to chants of his name echoing around the stadium. Although he didn’t always agree with his coach, Mark Hughes, Berti approached each training session with immense passion, treating them as if they were real matches. This display of effort resonated with the fans, who asked the coach to give Berti a chance to prove himself.
Berti’s moment finally came in the last game of the season. Unexpectedly called up by the coach, Berti took to the field to the delight of the fans. Although many of them didn’t know his face, his songs became a manifestation of the folklore surrounding his name. Berti relished the opportunity and enjoyed the celebration that followed every time he touched the ball, allowing the fans to finally put a face to the name they had passionately chanted.
The director of soccer also shared a funny anecdote involving Cristiano Ronaldo. During a match against Manchester United, Ronaldo was preparing to enter the action from the bench when the City fans jokingly started chanting Berti’s name, as if to assign him the task of marking the active Portuguese striker. Berti couldn’t help but laugh as he thought about what might have happened if he’d had the chance to face Ronaldo.
Reflecting on his move to Manchester City, Berti expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing in England and the opportunity to work with a coach who favored Brazilian players. His arrival coincided with a period of significant investment at the club, highlighted by the acquisition of Robinho from Real Madrid. Berti witnessed first-hand the transformation of the club’s facilities and the determination to reach the pinnacle of English soccer. The director of soccer was amazed at how the club kept its promises and eventually built a dynasty in English soccer.
Berti also spoke about his camaraderie with his Brazilian teammates, recounting their shared experiences of feijoadas and barbecues, which helped them feel at home in a city often characterized by its grey climate. Among his closest companions was Felipe Caicedo, who shared Berti’s love of feijoada and humorously referred to it as “want beans” in a unique way.
Berti fondly remembered Vincent Kompany as a natural leader, with whom he conversed in German, a language they both spoke fluently. Berti’s admiration for Kompany’s competence went beyond his playing days, and he continues to keep in touch with the former Manchester City captain, expressing his happiness at Kompany’s achievements.