Hernandez Cradles The LEN Champions’ Cup for Pro Recco… Then Quits
In a stunning development out of Europe, Gabriel “Gabi” Hernandez has notified Pro Recco’s leadership that he is stepping down as head coach. Francesco Grillone, publisher of WaterPoloItaly, broke the story that days after leading the Italian club to a record ninth LEN Champions’ League title, the former Spanish national team player and coach notified Recco President Maurizio Felugo that he will not return, one year after taking one of the most high-profile jobs in polo.
It has been a roller coaster season for polo in general and Pro Recco in particular, and that ride has apparently not yet concluded. Perennially Italy’s top club, last month Recco was stunned by Brescia in the Italian Serie A1 championship, as Hernandez’s squad lost 3 of the four games played—a series defeat that can often spell disaster for the coach of perhaps the most recognized polo club in the world.
His team bounced back in impressive fashion, storming to the LEN final last Sunday against FTC (Ferencvárosi Torna Club). Behind three goals by Dusan Mandic, Recco captured a 9-6 decision, holding the defending cup-holders to a lone score in the second half.
Dusan Mandic representing his native Serbia. Photo: FINA
In his one year in Genoa, Hernandez—who previously had led the Spanish national men’s team to a seventh place finish in the 2016 Rio Olympics—accomplished what his esteemed predecessor, the great Ratko Rudic did not while in Genoa: win a Champions’ League title.
Hernandez spoke with the media regarding his decision to step aside while thanking both Felugo and Gabriele Volpi, the Pro Recco owner.
“First of all I would like to thank Maurizio for the trust and the opportunity he has given me to lead such a strong and special team,” he said. “And then Gabriele Volpi who has never failed in his trust and affection.
“Mine is a personal and life choice, I feel the need to stop to reflect and decide many things even at a family level. The moment asks me to think deeply about my future. What will I take with me? The team's ability to react to an unexpected and negative situation such as the defeat in the Scudetto final. It was nice to see Pro Recco playing with humility and sacrifice, thinking only of the collective: it was a goal that I had set myself when I arrived.
“I thank the players for the effort they made in a very difficult year, with the initial three months practically without matches, the cup and league finals moved: it was not easy for them and for me. The truth is that I found a humanly extraordinary group, I already knew the sporting quality. Finally, my thanks to the technical staff: I met people who were prepared and with heart.”
One factor in Hernandez’s decision-making may have been his recent marriage to Kiley Neushul, one-time national team player for USA Water Polo, and an Olympic gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Games.
Felugo, Pro Recco’s president, was also quoted in Grillone’s piece: “We respect Gabi's will, we would have liked to open a cycle with him, but the decision he has taken demonstrates his human depth,” he said. “We thank him for the joy he made us experience, together with the players, in the final in Belgrade.
“He brought Pro Recco back to the top of Europe by showing off a fabulous game. It will remain forever in the history and heart of this club. We wish him the best because he is a person who deserves it.”
It’s the second major defection from Recco in the short week since they captured their first Champion’s League title since 2015. Mandic, MVP of the 2021 Final 8, announced he will move next season to Novi Beograd, located in his native Serbia. He won a Champions’ League title in 2011 with Partizan, also from Belgrade.