Full Description
'A brilliant new perspective' - Jamie Carragher
'Superb' - Daniel Taylor
WITH NEW AND UPDATED CONTENT FOR THE MEN'S FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
THIS INSIGHTFUL INVESTIGATION REVEALS THE MINDSETS AND UNBELIEVABLE APPROACHES OF THE COACHES SEEKING FOOTBALL'S ULTIMATE PRIZE
Godlike geniuses or the focus of a disappointed nation's fury - the world's most prestigious tournament makes or breaks national coaches. Only 20 managers have guided their team to World Cup glory, so what are their secrets? From revolutionary tactics to hare-brained schemes, this book searches for the keys to the most exclusive club in men's international football.
They may silently plot on the bench or manically gesticulate from the sidelines, but what can coaches really do to influence their team's performance? Discover the tactical innovations and brilliant strategies as well as the bizarre superstitions, psychological masterclasses and bonkers team-building regimes that managers have employed in the quest for that iconic trophy.
Charting the successes, failures, dramas and controversies of over 90 years of men's World Cup action through the insights of World Cup stars including Alexi Lalas, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Pierre Littbarski, Roberto Martinez and Mick McCarthy, this book reveals the lengths the men in the dugouts will go to in order to bring home the greatest prize.
Contents
Foreword
Prologue
1. A Different World (International Management)
2. Starting from the Bottom (Minnows)
3. Facing an Apocalypse (Qualification)
4. In the Line of Duty (Danger)
5. Hosting the Party (Hosts)
6. A Race Against Time (Late Appointments)
7. The History Boys (First Times)
8. Select Your Weapons (Team Selection)
9. Picking a General (Captains)
10. A Home From Home (Atmosphere)
11. A Shot in the Balls (Big Incidents)
12. Don't Mention the War (Rivalries)
13. Miracle Workers (Underdogs)
14. Now or Never (Golden Generation)
15. Managing the Impossible (Enigmas)
16. Finding an Edge (Big Games)
17. Managers on the Spot (Penalties)
18. Becoming Champion (Final)
19. The Winner's Curse (Retaining)
Epilogue
