1. Life
Roque Olsen's life was deeply intertwined with football, beginning in his home country of Argentina and flourishing into a notable career in Spain. This section details his early beginnings and personal aspects that shaped his journey.
1.1. Early Life and Background
Roque Germán Olsen Fontana was born on 9 September 1925, in Sauce de Luna, a town located in the Entre Ríos Province of Argentina. His early exposure to football began in the local leagues of Paraná, the capital city of Entre Ríos, where he developed his skills as a young player.
1.2. Personal Life
Information regarding Roque Olsen's personal life, such as his marriage, family relationships beyond his professional identity, or hobbies outside of football, is not widely documented in available public sources. He maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his public career as a player and manager.
2. Playing Career
Olsen's playing career began in Argentina before he moved to Spain, where he became a key player for one of the world's most renowned clubs.
He started his playing career in the local leagues of Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina. In 1949, he was signed by Tigre. The following year, he joined the then-champions, Racing Club of Avellaneda. After playing 15 matches for Racing Club, Olsen made a significant move to Real Madrid, where he became one of the club's most important goal scorers during his tenure. He concluded his playing career in the late 1950s with Córdoba, after which he retired as a player.
3. Managerial Career
Following his retirement as a player, Olsen transitioned into a long and distinguished managerial career, primarily in Spain, where he achieved notable successes with various clubs.
Olsen commenced his managerial career with Córdoba, the very club where he ended his playing days. He notably led Córdoba to a significant achievement: promotion to La Liga, Spain's top professional football division, in 1962. Following this success, he went on to manage several other prominent Spanish clubs, including Deportivo La Coruña, Real Zaragoza, and the illustrious Barcelona. His managerial journey also included stints with Elche CF, Sevilla FC, and Celta Vigo. His final managerial position before his death in 1992 was with UD Las Palmas, where he continued to lead teams until his passing.
4. Death
Roque Olsen passed away on 15 June 1992, in Seville, located in the Andalusia province of Spain. His death marked the end of a long career dedicated to football, both as a player and a manager. The circumstances surrounding his death were not widely publicized beyond the date and location.
5. Legacy and Assessment
Roque Olsen's legacy is primarily defined by his dual contributions to football as both a prolific player and a successful manager, particularly within the Spanish football landscape. His impact is viewed largely through the lens of his on-field achievements and his ability to guide teams to success.
5.1. Positive Assessment
As a player, Roque Olsen is positively assessed for his significant contribution to Real Madrid, where he became recognized as one of the club's most important goal scorers. This achievement underscored his talent and effectiveness as a forward in one of Europe's premier leagues.
In his managerial career, Olsen's positive impact is highlighted by his ability to lead teams to promotion, notably guiding Córdoba to La Liga in 1962. This demonstrated his tactical acumen and leadership capabilities. Furthermore, his subsequent management of several high-profile Spanish clubs, including Barcelona, Real Zaragoza, and Sevilla FC, solidifies his reputation as a respected and sought-after coach who commanded the benches of significant teams within Spanish football.
5.2. Criticism and Controversy
Based on available biographical information and public records, there is no widely documented criticism or significant controversy related to Roque Olsen's actions, decisions, or ideology throughout his career as a player or manager. His professional life appears to have been largely free of public disputes or ethical issues.