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Sven-Göran Eriksson is a Swedish football manager who has had a long and successful career in the sport. He has managed teams in several countries, including England, Italy, Portugal, and China. Eriksson is known for his tactical knowledge and ability to get the best out of his players.
Eriksson began his managerial career in Sweden in the 1970s, before moving to Portugal to manage Benfica in the early 1990s. He then went on to manage several top clubs in Italy, including Roma, Lazio, and Fiorentina. In 2001, he was appointed as the manager of the England national team, a position he held for five years.
During his time with England, Eriksson led the team to the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as the 2004 European Championships. He also helped to develop several young players who went on to become stars, such as Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen. Despite some criticism from the media and fans, Eriksson is widely regarded as one of the most successful England managers of all time.
Early Life and Career
Birth and Education
Sven-Göran Eriksson was born on February 5, 1948, in Sunne, Sweden. He grew up in a small town in Värmland, where he developed a passion for football at an early age. Eriksson attended the University of Stockholm, where he earned a degree in Social Sciences.
Early Coaching Roles
Eriksson began his coaching career in 1977 as an assistant coach for Degerfors IF. He quickly moved on to become a head coach for the same team, leading them to a successful season in 1980. Eriksson’s success caught the attention of IFK Göteborg, one of the top teams in Sweden, and he was hired as their head coach in 1982.
Under Eriksson’s leadership, IFK Göteborg won the UEFA Cup twice and the Swedish League five times. Eriksson’s success in Sweden led to him being offered coaching jobs in Italy, where he coached teams such as Roma, Fiorentina, and Lazio. Eriksson’s greatest success in Italy came when he led Lazio to win the Serie A title in 2000.
Eriksson’s success in Italy led to him being appointed as the head coach of the England national team in 2001. Eriksson led England to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup and the Euro 2004 tournament. Eriksson’s tenure as England’s head coach was not without controversy, however, and he resigned in 2006 after a disappointing performance in the World Cup.
Overall, Sven-Göran Eriksson’s early life and career were marked by a passion for football and a dedication to coaching. His success in Sweden and Italy paved the way for him to become one of the most well-known and respected coaches in the world.
Club Management Career
Gothenburg Success
Sven-Göran Eriksson began his club management career in Sweden with IFK Gothenburg. He led the team to great success, winning the UEFA Cup twice in the early 1980s. This accomplishment put him on the radar of other clubs in Europe.
Benfica and Roma Stints
Eriksson’s next stop was Portugal, where he managed Benfica from 1989 to 1992. During his time there, he won three league titles and a Portuguese Cup. He then moved on to Italy, where he managed AS Roma from 1992 to 1997. Under his leadership, the team won the Italian Cup and reached the final of the UEFA Cup.
Lazio Triumphs
Eriksson’s most successful stint as a club manager was with Lazio in Italy. He took over the team in 1997 and led them to their first Serie A title in 26 years in the 1999-2000 season. They also won the Italian Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup that season. Eriksson continued to lead Lazio to success in the following years, winning another Italian Cup in 2004.
Throughout his club management career, Sven-Göran Eriksson demonstrated his ability to build successful teams and lead them to victory. His success in Sweden, Portugal, and Italy earned him a reputation as one of the top managers in Europe.
England National Team Tenure
Appointment and Expectations
Sven-Göran Eriksson was appointed as the head coach of the England national team in January 2001, succeeding Kevin Keegan. He had previously managed the national teams of Mexico and Sweden, as well as several top European clubs.
Eriksson was expected to bring success to the England team, which had not won a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup. He was given a large budget and was able to attract top players to the team.
Tournament Performances
Under Eriksson’s leadership, the England team reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, where they were knocked out by Brazil. They also reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 in Portugal, where they were beaten by the hosts in a penalty shootout.
In the 2006 World Cup in Germany, England reached the quarter-finals again, but were knocked out by Portugal in another penalty shootout. This tournament was notable for the controversy surrounding Eriksson’s decision to include Wayne Rooney in the squad despite his injury concerns.
Public and Media Relations
Eriksson’s tenure was marked by controversy both on and off the pitch. He was criticized by some for his tactical decisions and team selection, while others praised him for his ability to attract top players to the team.
Eriksson was also the subject of media scrutiny, particularly regarding his personal life. He was involved in a high-profile affair with a secretary at the Football Association, which led to calls for his resignation.
Despite the controversies, Eriksson’s tenure as the head coach of the England national team was a period of relative success, with the team reaching the quarter-finals of three major tournaments.
Later Career
Mexico and Ivory Coast Appointments
Following his departure from England, Sven-Göran Eriksson took on the role of head coach for the Mexico national team in 2008. Despite a promising start, including a win against Brazil in the Copa América, Eriksson’s tenure was marred by inconsistent performances and he was eventually relieved of his duties in 2009.
Eriksson then took on the position of head coach for the Ivory Coast national team in 2010. He led the team to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, but the team’s performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup was disappointing and he resigned from his position shortly after.
Club Management Return
In 2010, Eriksson returned to club management, taking charge of English Championship side Leicester City. Despite a promising start, the team’s performances began to decline and Eriksson was sacked in 2011.
Eriksson then took on the role of technical director at Thai club BEC Tero Sasana, before returning to English football as director of football at Notts County. He later took on a similar role at League Two side Barnet.
Chinese Football Involvement
In 2013, Eriksson was appointed as head coach of Chinese Super League team Guangzhou R&F. He led the team to a fourth-place finish in his first season in charge, but was dismissed in 2014 following a poor start to the season.
Eriksson then took on the role of head coach at Shanghai SIPG, leading the team to a second-place finish in the 2015 Chinese Super League season. He left the club in 2016 and has since taken on various consultancy roles in Chinese football.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on Modern Coaching
Sven-Göran Eriksson’s impact on modern coaching is undeniable. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful and innovative coaches of his generation. Eriksson’s tactical approach, which focused on possession and attacking football, has been emulated by many coaches around the world. His ability to manage star players and handle the media has also been widely praised.
Eriksson’s success at the club and international level has inspired many coaches to adopt his methods. His tactical approach has been particularly influential, with many coaches incorporating possession-based football into their own strategies. Eriksson’s success in managing star players has also been emulated, with many coaches looking to build strong relationships with their players to get the best out of them.
Contributions to Football Development
Eriksson’s contributions to football development extend beyond his success as a coach. He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at improving the standard of football around the world. Eriksson has worked with the United Nations to promote football as a tool for social development, and has also been involved in various coaching programs aimed at developing young players.
Eriksson’s work in promoting football as a tool for social development has been particularly noteworthy. He has helped to establish football programs in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities, providing young people with an opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence. Eriksson’s coaching programs have also helped to develop young players, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed at the highest level.
Overall, Sven-Göran Eriksson’s legacy and impact on football cannot be overstated. His tactical approach, ability to manage star players, and contributions to football development have had a lasting impact on the sport. Eriksson’s influence on modern coaching will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sven-Göran Eriksson married to?
Sven-Göran Eriksson was previously married to Ann-Christine “Nancy” Andersson, but the couple divorced in 1991. He is currently married to Nancy Dell’Olio, an Italian-British lawyer and television personality.
What is Sven-Göran Eriksson’s net worth?
As of 2024, Sven-Göran Eriksson’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. He has earned this wealth through his successful career as a football manager and coach.
Which teams has Sven-Göran Eriksson coached throughout his career?
Sven-Göran Eriksson has coached several notable football teams throughout his career, including Benfica, Roma, Lazio, Manchester City, and the England national team. He has also coached teams in China, Mexico, and the Philippines.
How old is Sven-Göran Eriksson today?
Sven-Göran Eriksson was born on February 5, 1948, which means he is currently 75 years old.
Who are Sven-Göran Eriksson’s children?
Sven-Göran Eriksson has no children.
Which Italian football team was coached by Sven-Göran Eriksson from 1997 to 2001?
Sven-Göran Eriksson coached Lazio, an Italian football team based in Rome, from 1997 to 2001. During his time as coach, he led the team to several victories, including winning the Serie A title in 2000.
source:locotvgh.com