Instituto Bolívar de Estrategia y Diálogo
Pensamiento Estratégico, Diálogo Global

The Hidden Victory of Luis Enrique

Jun 1, 2025, 20:47

Will Storr's book, The Science of Storytelling (Captain Swing), is a fascinating and eye-opening exploration. It delves into one of the most captivating facets of power: storytelling. In ancient human communities, information was crucial for establishing hierarchies. If a rumor circulated about someone prioritizing the group's interests over personal gain, it would evoke positive emotions among those hearing the story. Conversely, if it highlighted someone as selfish or malicious, it would stir a collective urge to punish the individual. Thus, storytelling was a form of justice in these early societies.

Remarkably, this dynamic remains largely unchanged. Communication experts discovered something intriguing about birds: "Crows not only pay attention to gossip from neighboring flocks but are particularly alert when tales of a bird's loss of status are told." The book also reveals that crickets keep track of their victories and defeats against peers. A cricket victorious in several battles becomes more aggressive and confident, while one with repeated losses tends to avoid conflicts or acts submissively. The narrative holds weight.

When Movistar announced a documentary about Luis Enrique a year ago, my curiosity was piqued. It was bound to be different from the typical documentaries shot in droves, often driven by popular demand from young influencers. Luis Enrique's relationship with the media was tense and occasionally irritating. However, as a coach, he had gained popularity as a streamer and found success. This time, though, he went further. He allowed cameras into the deepest corners of the locker room, where he implored Mbappé to press the opponent's ball exit with all his might during a crucial Champions League match.

He achieved something even more profound: he let the cameras capture his family. The experiences of his wife and daughters during each match, every press headline, and the anticipation of delicate games were laid bare. And, of course, the memory of his late daughter, Xana, who passed away at 9 from osteosarcoma. The human element, the man who leads a life that sometimes intersects and sometimes runs parallel to his public persona, was portrayed naturally. This was in stark contrast to Sergio Ramos' documentary, where he filmed breakfast with Pilar Rubio, answering her questions as if at a press conference.

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