Eriksson response to Wenger theory sums up charismatic ex-England boss
There has been an outpouring of love, support and affection for Sven Goran Eriksson.
Not only a terrific football manager but he is also one hell of a character which is why so many people are wishing him well after the former England manager revealed he has terminal cancer.
Covering England has rarely been as colourful as when dear Sven was in charge. No-one should forget the wonderful moments - England’s 5-1 win in Germany, for example - and some brilliant press conferences.
There are so many anecdotes even including a theory on how he got the England job in the first place. Eriksson was super to deal with. When I did a book on Arsene Wenger, I remember ringing Sven while he was managing in China and asking him about what happened when he was appointed by the Football Association in 2001.
The story went that the FA wanted their first foreign manager after Kevin Keegan’s disastrous spell in charge when it was all 4-4-2, rabble rousing team talks and card schools.
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Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein was heavily involved in FA circles at the time and probably feared losing Wenger at the height of his success at Arsenal and persuaded the FA’s then chief executive Adam Crozier to go for Eriksson rather than lose his own manager.
"I can believe that!” Eriksson laughed out loud when I put the theory to him. David and Arsene are so close,” Eriksson said. “And they built such a great club, they were two extremely important people in the club’s history, a new stadium, a new training ground and everything."
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson (Getty Images)But the point was that Eriksson was so respected when England appointed him. He was at Lazio, had previously had an incredible team at Parma - Gianfranco Zola, Faustino Asprilla, Tomas Brolin - and was fabulous at Benfica.
Eriksson made his name as a man manager, he gave the players freedom - some would say too much - but it would be so wrong to look at his career with anything but respect.
He has entertained us all. And was so wonderfully indiscreet. I remember early in his England career, buying a ticket for a lunch in London. Eriksson was giving a speech at a sporting do, the room was full and excited to hear from the new England manager.
Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson (Getty Images)Eriksson delivered stories, anecdotes and colour. He did it with no press officer by his side and entertained us all. It made the back three of the Daily Mirror the next day as well. Impossible to imagine now. And Sven had no problem with it. Of course there were scandals. But what was so different was that Eriksson would face the press the next day with that wonderful, cheeky smile. A glint in his eye. It makes me laugh just thinking about it.
That crazy game at West Ham when he changed the whole England team at half time in a friendly with Australia. “First half good, second half not so good,” became his catch phrase.
But just look at the messages of support from the Golden Generation to Sven’s news. Wayne Rooney paid a glowing tribute and sent a heartfelt message. They love him. I last spoke to Sven just before the 2022 World Cup. Again, he was doing a corporate event. He was always so engaging and respectful. He was good value then. Soon after, news that he was ill emerged. Now this latest devastating blow.
But one thing is certain as Sven faces his biggest fight…. He will have so much love and support with him.
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