Eriksson’s colorful personal life has been extensively documented, and his turbulent tenure as England’s manager had strong relationships with Chelsea and Manchester United in addition to a run-in with the notorious tabloid “Fake Sheikh.”
Before being named as Kevin Keegan’s successor in November 2000, Eriksson was a successful club manager around Europe, yet his time in England is seen as underwhelming considering the wealth he had at his disposal. The Eriksson circus frequently took away from these accomplishments.
Eriksson was one of the best coaches in the game at his best, routinely winning both national and European trophies—something he was unable to duplicate with England.
But Eriksson will never forget his most memorable night in charge, which took place in September 2001 at Munich’s storied Olympic Stadium when Germany lost 5-1 in a World Cup qualifier.
Eriksson was dubbed “the unanimous choice of our selection team” by Football Association chief executive Adam Crozier in 2001 when the Swedish player accepted a five-year contract to lure him away from Lazio. Eriksson left the Italian club early to take up his England duties.
Arriving with a brilliant reputation as a cunning strategist and the epitome of Scandinavian calm, Eriksson would offer a deal.
