Description

‘A brilliant new perspective’ – talkSPORT

‘Fascinating’ – Barry Davies

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

Only 21 managers have guided their team to World Cup glory, so what are their secrets? 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? In this book, find out the tactical innovations, strategies as well as the bizarre superstitions that managers have employed in the quest for that iconic trophy.

With new and updated content for this edition, the book also features insights from Alexi Lalas, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Pierre Littbarski, Roberto Martinez and Mick McCarthy.

Publisher Review

Superbly insightful ... A brilliant new perspective on World Cup management -- Jamie Carragher Superb - great stories about the greatest tournament -- Daniel Taylor A fascinating read -- Barry Davies If you like a rich and rewarding football read, look no further -- Patrick Barclay Detailed, humorous, extensively researched and very difficult to put down -- Terry Butcher A wonderful look into the beautiful game and the quest to unlock the secret to winning its ultimate prize -- Alexi Lalas An incisive analysis of "the beautiful game" at its highest levels... a must-read for soccer fans * Publishers Weekly * Evans takes 19 aspects of both management and the World cup itself (penalty shoot-outs, qualifying, tactics, star players), unearths a succession of stories... and sprinkles them with interviewees. -- John Aizlewood * The i * Insight into how simply punching above one's weight in the qualifying stages is a world cup victory in itself. * When Saturday Comes * Superbly insightful... a brilliant new perspective * talkSport * Evans has spoken to an impressive and eclectic cast of characters with vast experience in the international game. The quality and calibre of those who offer their perspectives in the book really make it stand out ... It serves as both a study in how to manage an international time and also a reflection on why international football is so special. * All Sport Book Reviews * ...fascinating * BBC Radio 5 Live * Prize pressie for a top dad * Paisley Daily Express *