Rodri and Gerard Pique congratulate Eastern boss, as Spaniard praises Hong Kong 16-year-old
Manu Torres reveals positive messages from superstar friends and former colleagues, aims to grow local talent following winning start
The superstar pair of Rodri and Gerard Pique were among those who pinged Manu Torres with congratulatory messages, after their fellow Spaniard accepted the daunting task of replacing Roberto Losada as Eastern head coach.
Torres nurtured Manchester City midfielder Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, during more than a decade coaching Villarreal’s youth teams.
As assistant manager of FC Andorra in Spain’s second division for 2½ years until summer 2023, the 50-year-old reported to a majority owner in Pique who won the 2010 World Cup, alongside three Champions Leagues and nine La Liga titles during 15 glittering years with Barcelona.
Torres also had roles in El Salvador and Portugal before answering Eastern’s call this month, because “they are one of the best teams in Hong Kong, and it’s a great chance to take my first step in Asia”.
“I have contact with a lot of my old players and clubs,” Torres said.
“Pique and Rodri congratulated me on the new job; they are both good friends and we stay in touch.”