THERE’S no bad blood between Leo Austria and Jorge Gallent as the two gentlemen took the last-minute reversal of roles at San Miguel like true pros.
As a courtesy, the first thing Austria did on Friday morning was to call Gallent about the coaching change which took effect the night before when San Miguel Corp. owner Ramon S. Ang appointed the 66-year-old back as the man at the helm for the Beermen.
Gallent meanwhile, assumed Austria’s former post as team consultant.
“This morning (Friday) called him and very casual naman yung usapan namin,” said Austria of his conversation with Gallent.
“He (Gallent) told me what you (Austria) did to me, na kung ano yung ginawa ko on keep supporting (the team), ganun din ang gagawin niya.”
Reached by Spin.ph, Gallent begged off from discussing the coaching change, but gave the thumbs up when asked about Austria assuming anew his old job.
"No comment," said the now SMB consultant on his way out of the team dugout following the Beermen's 106-88 win over Terrafirma Dyip in the Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Austria and Gallent forged a relationship anchored on respect the moment Gallent replaced Austria as head coach during the 2023 Governors’ Cup, with the latter sliding down to a consultant job.
The two worked together when Gallent won the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup championship against Magnolia and reached the finals in back-to-back fashion but lost to Meralco in the Philippine Cup.
“Most of the time, I’m with him (Gallent) and planning with the team,” said Austria, who was trying to console Gallent after San Miguel lost to Rain or Shine last Tuesday, 107-93, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
To his surprise, RSA handed him the coaching reins anew two days after that sorry loss to the Elasto Painters.
Austria said he didn’t call Gallent shortly after his surprise meeting with RSA.
“I did not call him, medyo nabigla din kasi ako,” he said.
Austria admitted he’s actually more at ease being consultant at San Miguel.
“I’m happy being a consultant and helping the team. Less pressure kasi yan, e,” he said.
But with the marching orders coming from no less than RSA, Austria said he’ll follow the instruction like a good soldier.
With help coming from Gallent of course.
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