Hockey Club Luxembourg Coach Luciano Ferrario in Profile

Luciano Ferrario has recently been appointed Coach and Trainer at Hockey Club Luxembourg and Chronicle.lu caught up with him recently to ask him about his background and aspirations.

Chronicle.lu: How did your appointment as coach and trainer for the Hockey Club Luxembourg come about and will this be a full-time position for you?

Luciano Ferrario: First of all, I would like to sincerely thank you for your interest in the work I will be doing in the country. It’s a privilege to be part of a project that promotes development and the growth of sport at all levels.

Before coming here, I was working in India as a coach of coaches at an academy based in Bhubaneswar, in the state of Odisha. My role there involved designing training programmes, mentoring local coaches and supporting the overall development of young athletes. It was a deeply rewarding experience that helped me grow both professionally and personally.

I was approached by the sports director of the Luxembourg Federation, Federico Tanuscio, together with the president of the club, William Coppers. They shared with me the vision and objectives of their federation, and I was immediately drawn to the ambition and clarity of their project. Their proposal to join the national development team and contribute to shaping the next generation of players was something I couldn’t turn down.

I’m truly excited about this new chapter and the challenges it will bring. I look forward to working closely with the local teams, sharing knowledge and continuing to learn in this dynamic environment.

Chronicle.lu: You began both your playing and your coaching career in Buenos Aries, Argentina. Having also played in Italy, Switzerland, Russia and Spain, what are your thoughts on the Luxembourg league and its youth player development? 

Luciano Ferrario: Indeed, I was incredibly fortunate to grow up in one of the best clubs in Argentina, where I not only shared my childhood and career with close friends but also with players who would go on to become elite figures in the hockey world. That environment provided me with a solid foundation both athletically and personally, teaching me the values of dedication, teamwork and excellence from a young age.

At the age of 25, my life took a turn as I embarked on a journey around the world, living and working in various countries like Italy, Switzerland, Russia and Spain. These experiences greatly enriched my perspective on hockey as a sport and broadened my view of life itself, allowing me to immerse myself in different cultures and learn diverse philosophies of training and gameplay.

Regarding the league in which our team competes, I strongly believe that its context is one of its greatest strengths. Competing in a region surrounded by Belgian clubs, in a country renowned for its hockey tradition and high level of play, makes the league an exceptional platform for the development of our players. This competitive environment not only provides them with challenges but also offers growth opportunities that are vital for their progress both on and off the field.

Chronicle.lu: You have recently relocated from India, having coached at the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre. What was it like living and working there and how do you feel it has benefitted your work as a coach and you personally?

Luciano Ferrario: It was a significant challenge from the moment I arrived. Living among them, becoming one of them, and fully integrating into their culture, lifestyle and training routines was an unforgettable experience. Observing how they approach life and hockey has left a lasting impression on me.

One of the fascinating aspects of living in India was adapting to their culinary traditions. The variety and richness of the food were extraordinary — full of vibrant spices and flavours. Initially, it was an adjustment, especially with certain dishes being quite spicy, but it quickly became a highlight of my time there. Sharing meals with the players and staff further deepened my connection with their way of life.

Another unique challenge was adapting to the schedules dictated by the climate. Due to the intense heat during the day, many activities, including training sessions, were organised early in the morning or late in the evening. This required a shift in daily rhythms and routines, but it also taught me the importance of being flexible and understanding local conditions.

I was fortunate to meet incredible professionals, coaches and players who possess a passion for hockey that I have not seen elsewhere. Their dedication and willingness to give their all made my time there truly special. The generosity and commitment I experienced from the people I worked with ensured that I felt welcome and supported throughout my journey.

Chronicle.lu: Please go into detail about your coaching style and what your plans are for the coaching and training programmes at the Luxembourg Hockey Club. 

Luciano Ferrario: It’s always a bit challenging for me to articulate my own characteristics as a coach, but if I were to define my approach, I would highlight creativity and intensity as its defining features. I strive to design training sessions that are both dynamic and engaging, keeping players motivated and invested in their development. From the moment I step onto the field and greet the team, I aim to set a tone of energy and focus that permeates every aspect of the session.

I am someone who consistently gives 110% in everything I do — whether it’s my work, family or friends. When it comes to hockey, I expect the same level of dedication from my players. Intensity is a cornerstone of my coaching philosophy. I encourage them to push beyond their perceived limits, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. My ultimate goal is to prepare them to compete at an international level, equipping them with the technical skills, physical conditioning and mental resilience necessary to tackle future challenges with confidence and determination.

Chronicle.lu: In terms of developing the team(s), what are your targets for your new position?  Are there any upcoming tournaments in which you’re are hoping to participate?

Luciano Ferrario: Of course, my priority is to assist Federico in everything he may need. I consider him an exceptionally skilled professional and someone who is highly capable of leading this project. At the same time, I aim to contribute my own expertise wherever possible to support the players, the club and the federation in achieving their goals.

We have an important U18 tournament coming up in July in Croatia, and as a coaching staff, we believe there is significant potential within the team to succeed. However, one of our key objectives will be to instil this belief in the players themselves, helping them realise that they are capable of achieving great things.

Chronicle.lu: What are you looking forward to about your move to Luxembourg? 

Luciano Ferrario: I am truly excited about the opportunity to meet good-hearted people and collaborate with skilled professionals. However, for me, the players will always remain the most important focus. My priority is to support them in their growth — not only as athletes but also as individuals — while helping them achieve their goals and realise their potential. Their development and success are at the heart of everything I do, and fostering their personal and professional progress is something I find deeply rewarding.

Luciano Ferrario at work in India.