Inside Sven-Goran Eriksson’s astonishing career from managing England’s golden generation to shock Notts County role
SVEN-GORAN Eriksson had an astonishing career – ranging from managing England’s golden generation to a shock role at Notts County.
Fans have paid tribute to Eriksson’s glittering success as a manager after his death following a cancer battle.
The Swede made his name by taking little-known IFK Göteborg all the way to win the 1981-1982 UEFA Cup.
Topped by a 4-0 aggregate score against Hamburger SV in the final, the trophy sparked interest from top European clubs.
He was successfully courted by Portuguese club Benfica, with whom he won the Primeira Divisão and Taça de Portugal.
Frustrating spells at Italian sides Roma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria followed.
But Eriksson achieved glory with Lazio, scooping the Coppa Italia, the Italian Supercup, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the long-elusive Serie A Scudetto.
Eriksson’s triumphant tenure at Lazio caught the attention of the FA, which hired him as the first foreign manager of the England national team.
England were at a low ebb after Kevin Keegan resigned following a 2000 home loss against Germany.
During qualifying for the 2002 World Cup Eriksson exacted revenge with a 5-1 win at the Olympiastadion in Munich, raising hopes.
Heading into the tournament, England were blessed with a golden generation of players including Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen.
At the 2002 World Cup in Japan, England made it to the quarter finals after despatching rivals Argentina in the group stages – only to be knocked out by a ten-man Brazil side.
Euro 2004 also ended in quarter-final heartbreak, with Sol Campbell’s goal against hosts Portugal disallowed before England lost on penalties.
The England squad remained fiercely loyal to Eriksson, and his contract was renewed for another two years.
GOLDEN GENERATION
Going into the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Eriksson could count on an unrivalled dressing-room of talent including Steven Gerrard, John Terry, David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney.
It was perhaps the finest cohort of players, man for man, that England has ever seen.
After breezing through the group stage, a classic Beckham free kick saw England past Ecuador in scorching heat.
But English hopes were once again scotched in a penalty shootout against Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo winking at Manchester United teammate Rooney after the Englishman was controversially sent off.
Eriksson showed his measure as a manager and a man when he singled out Rooney for praise in his farewell speech, urging the country not to blame him for England’s defeat.
He went on to manage Manchester City, Mexico, Ivory Coast and Leicester City – as well as League Two side Notts County, where Eriksson served as director of football.
His time at Notts County was uneventful and he resigned in 2010 – but chairman Richard Trew called him an “absolute gentleman” for waiving a multi-million payoff to help the club on their way to the League Two trophy.
Wherever Eriksson went, touching the edge of glory in ten countries, he won the loyalty of his players – as their tributes in the coming days will attest.