Roy Hodgson leads tributes to former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson
Former England manager Roy Hodgson says Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has died at the age of 76 following a long illness, had the ‘golden touch when it came to man management’.
Swede Eriksson took the reins of the England men’s football team in 2001, becoming the first foreign manager to lead the Three Lions in the process.
His teams featured the likes of Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney - and his most memorable win was England’s 5-1 away mauling of Germany in 2001.
The Football Association will pay tribute to Eriksson when England welcome Finland for a Nations League clash at Wembley.
A statement from the Swede’s family read: "After a long illness, Sven-Goran Eriksson died during the morning at home surrounded by family.
"The closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong.
"The family asks for respect for their wish to mourn in private and not be contacted.”
England captain Harry Kane paid tribute to Eriksson in a post on Instagram, saying: “I didn’t have the privilege of playing under Sven but I know how well liked and respected he was by those who played under him as England manager.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
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Former Liverpool, Fulham and Crystal Palace manager Hodgson, who managed his country between 2012-2016, told Sky Sports: "He was very intelligent and truly one of the top people in football during my time as a coach, that's for sure.
“People did their homework on him when they appointed him England manager.
"He was a good man manager, and good squads of players need good management. Sven had that golden touch when it came to man management.
"I thought it was a very good decision when England appointed Sven.
“I wasn't working in England at that time, but I thought that when he got the job they had a good guy there who would organise the team and get the best out of the players.
"He wasn't lucky like so many weren't during that era, but I'd be very surprised if players of that time don't express how much they liked him and how good he was.
"All England managers are underappreciated at times, but I think that comes with the territory. It will continue to be the case. The best tributes come after your time at the helm there, but they are honest and heartfelt ones when they come to Sven.
"If you love football and you love football management, he was one of the top people. He had a good personality, and if you have a decent personality, people can still see the human side."
Here, Sports News Blitz takes a detailed look at Eriksson’s managerial career.
Early Triumphs in Sweden and Portugal
Eriksson's managerial odyssey began in his native Sweden, where he served as an assistant at Degerfors IF before taking the helm at IFK Göteborg in 1979.
It was here that Eriksson's extraordinary talents first came to the fore.
He guided IFK Goteborg to unprecedented heights, capturing the UEFA Cup in 1982 - a victory that resonated far beyond Sweden's borders. His tenure also brought two Swedish Championships and two Swedish Cups, cementing his reputation as a visionary leader.
The brilliance he displayed in Sweden soon led him to the bright lights of Portuguese football, where he took charge of Benfica.
Eriksson's impact was immediate and profound. He led Benfica to three Primeira Liga titles and a runner-up finish in the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) in 1983, solidifying his status as one of Europe’s elite managers.
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Mastery in Italy
Italy, a country steeped in football tradition, became the next stage for Eriksson's managerial excellence.
At the helm of AS Roma and UC Sampdoria, he added to his illustrious resume by securing the Coppa Italia with Roma in 1986 and again with Sampdoria in 1994.
Eriksson's time in Italy was marked by his sophisticated approach to the game, which earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Glory with Lazio
Eriksson's crowning achievements at the club level came with Lazio, where he presided over a golden era from 1997 to 2001.
Under his astute leadership, Lazio emerged as a dominant force in Italian football, capturing the Serie A title in 2000 - a feat of immense significance for the club.
Eriksson also guided Lazio to victory in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1999, the UEFA Super Cup, and multiple domestic cups, forever enshrining his legacy in Lazio's storied history.
Stewardship of the England National Team
Eriksson's illustrious career reached new heights when he was appointed as the manager of the England national team in 2001, making history as the first foreign manager to hold the position.
Over a tenure that spanned five years, Eriksson led England to the quarter-finals of three consecutive major tournaments: the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2004, and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
His time with England was marked by a steady hand and a consistent presence on the world stage, even as expectations soared.
Although ultimate glory eluded him, Eriksson's impact on English football was profound and enduring.
Continued Global Influence
After his time with England, Eriksson's passion for the game saw him take on new challenges across the globe.
His journey led him to Manchester City in the Premier League, where he brought stability and a mid-table finish during the 2007-2008 season.
Eriksson then extended his influence internationally, managing the national teams of Mexico (2008-2009) and Ivory Coast (2010), as well as several clubs, including Leicester City (2010-2011) and teams in China and Thailand.
Later Adventures
In the later stages of his remarkable career, Eriksson embraced new opportunities with the same passion and commitment that defined his early years.
He managed in the Chinese Super League with Guangzhou R&F and Shanghai SIPG, and even took charge of the Philippines national team in 2018.
His willingness to explore uncharted territories underscores his deep love for the game and his enduring legacy as a global ambassador for football.
A Legacy of Greatness
Sven-Goran Eriksson is revered as one of football's most accomplished and respected managers.
His career is a celebration of adaptability, strategic brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
From the triumphs in Sweden and Portugal to his historic success in Italy and his pioneering role with England, Eriksson's legacy is one of greatness - a testament to a lifetime spent at the very pinnacle of world football.
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