In a touching tribute, former England manager Roy Hodgson remembered his dear friend and colleague, the late Swedish football legend Sven-Göran Eriksson. Reflecting on their decades-long friendship that began as rival coaches in Sweden, Hodgson painted a portrait of a man who was not only a brilliant tactician but also a gracious and composed leader, both on and off the pitch.
A Tactical Mastermind and Gentleman of the Game
Hodgson recalled how Eriksson’s Gothenburg side narrowly missed out on the 1979 Swedish league title to his own Halmstad team due to a controversial offside goal. Yet, in a testament to Eriksson’s character, he never once mentioned the incident in their subsequent interactions. “He was always a very, very gracious man,” Hodgson remarked, noting how Eriksson would acknowledge learning from the 4-4-2 system Hodgson employed in Sweden.
But it was Eriksson’s ability to implement tactics and inspire top players that truly set him apart. As Hodgson explained, “As a manager, Sven was an enormous success with the clubs he managed across Europe, winning many trophies, because he knew what he wanted from the players and he knew, on the training pitch, how to convince really good players that his ideas would work.”
Calm Under Pressure, Respected by Players
While some criticized Eriksson for his calm demeanor, Hodgson argued that this was a strength, not a weakness. “It’s a myth, I think, that players appreciate managers who are constantly screaming and shouting. I think they prefer someone in charge who is calm because he knows what he’s doing,” he observed. This sentiment was echoed by England stars David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, who praised Eriksson’s leadership and man-management skills.
“He knew how to convince really good players that his ideas would work.”
– Roy Hodgson on Sven-Göran Eriksson’s tactical prowess
Handling Scrutiny with Dignity and Composure
Despite the intense media scrutiny and tabloid coverage Eriksson faced during his tenure as England manager, Hodgson marveled at his friend’s ability to handle the pressure with poise and intelligence. “Of all the people I’ve known in football, his ability to deal with all that was quite phenomenal,” he remarked, adding that Eriksson never allowed the negativity to visibly affect him or exacerbate the situation.
A Legacy of Leadership and Love for the Game
In their final conversations following Eriksson’s terminal cancer diagnosis, Hodgson was struck by his friend’s unwavering dignity and composure. Even in the face of such adversity, Eriksson wanted to talk football, demonstrating the deep passion and mental fortitude that defined his life and career.
Hodgson’s tribute painted a picture of a man who not only achieved great things in football but did so with grace, intelligence, and an enduring love for the game. As he concluded, “As a football man, I’d put no one above him.”
Sven-Göran Eriksson’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive trophy cabinet and the tactical innovations he brought to the sport. Through his leadership, dignity, and ability to bring out the best in his players, he left an indelible mark on the world of football and the lives of those who knew him. As Roy Hodgson’s heartfelt remembrance demonstrates, Eriksson will be remembered not only as a legendary coach but also as a true gentleman of the game.
