By John Percy
London: One of soccer’s great characters, Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at the age of 76.
After revealing a terminal cancer diagnosis that had given him ‘at best’ a year to live, Eriksson was met with an outpouring of support that left him in no doubt about how much he was admired and respected.
Sven Goran Eriksson poses with Wayne Rooney in 2006 Credit: Getty Images
He approached the prognosis with the relentless positivity that defined his career – and what a career it was.
From leading the glorious Lazio team of the Nineties to Serie A glory, to winning countless trophies with Benfica and Gothenburg, Eriksson’s list of achievements was outstanding.
In this country, Eriksson will forever be associated with the rollercoaster of his five-and-a-half years with England and the so-called Golden Generation.
What a fun ride it was – and it wasn’t as bad as people made out, either. The remarkable 5-1 thrashing of Germany in Munich taught England fans how to dream.
There were disappointing quarter-final exits in two World Cups and the European Championship, but it was never dull. He was an intelligent, savvy operator who played his part in transforming the philosophy of football.
Sven Goran Eriksson in Melbourne in 2016Credit: Getty Images
He had perhaps the most gifted set of England players to call on, with Wayne Rooney at the peak of his powers alongside Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Michael Owen.
Eriksson will always regret that the ‘golden era’ did not include winning a trophy, but it is testament to his character that those former players still speak so warmly of him.
He was perhaps even more notorious for what happened off the field, with tabloid titillation – some of which was obtained by illegal means – that enthralled everybody.
International manager or international playboy? He was perfectly adept in both roles and even appeared to revel in that. There were the high-profile romances with TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson and FA secretary Faria Alam, the not-so-secret meetings with Chelsea’s Roman Abramovich, and the ‘fake Sheikh’ sting that ultimately ended his time with the national side.
Ulrika JonssonCredit: PA Images via Getty Images
His time in English football did not end there, though. In the Premier League he managed Manchester City and the stories did not let up. Dietmar Hamann, the former City midfielder, once told a wonderful tale which perfectly captured his mananger’s colourful approach to life.
Eriksson was coming to the end of his tenure at Manchester City while on a post-season tour to Thailand.
“One morning when I was on a sun lounger by the pool, he walked towards me with a bottle of champagne and two glasses,” Hamann said.
“It was still only 10 in the morning. I looked up and said, ‘Boss, what are we celebrating?’ expecting him to make the triumphant announcement he was staying.
“He turned to me and smiled that gentle smile of his and took the air of a Buddhist philosopher, as he said, ‘Life, Kaiser. We are celebrating life’.”
I was fortunate to spend nearly two hours with Eriksson in November 2022, a week before the start of the Qatar World Cup. I was invited to Sven’s glorious country house in Sunne, next to Lake Fryken, in western Sweden.
He was charming, hospitable and great company. No subjects were off limits and he addressed them all, from his England regrets to the tabloid stings and his weakness for women. We even managed to fit in a game of pool.
Sven Goran Eriksson and his former partner Nancy Dell’Olio.Credit: PA Images via Getty Images
On that morning, he politely pointed out that he was due to speak to Karlstad, a lower-league club, about the position of sporting director. He went on to take the job but had to step down soon afterwards because of his cancer diagnosis.
That was his last role in football – barring a ceremonial match as manager of Liverpool – after almost five decades of management and coaching. He started in 1978 with Degerfors IF, and cannot have envisaged the success that would follow.
Eriksson fought cancer with dignity and refused to wallow in self-pity. At least before he died he knew how many people liked him.
London Telegraph