WORLD CUP 2006
England Interview: Coach - Sven Goran Eriksson
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What is your own World Cup history?
It all began for me with the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. We didn’t have a television at home so we travelled, my dad and myself, to the house of a relative so we could see the Final on television. Black and white of course, then, but it was fantastic – seven goals with Brazil winning 5-2.
Now that you are approaching the end – and climax – of your England reign, how would you describe the manager’s job?
It is the best job in football. Before I took it I knew it was a huge job but not just how big it was and how prestigious. That surprised me. When Arrigo Sacchi resigned at Milan I remember him saying: “I will not be a manager any more – unless it is as the England manager.” That’s the thing about the job. I wouldn’t change the experience for anything.
Have you been concerned by the number of injuries this spring?
Of course, it’s always a worry. I’m very happy that Sol Campbell has started playing again. Knowing that most of the injuries in the Premier League come in the last two or three months of the season because of tiredness, of course we had our fingers crossed for the rest.
Did it ease the pressure to get your contract situation resolved?
I was happy to have reached an agreement with the FA for me to leave after the World Cup so that we could then concentrate on our preparations for the finals. It is important to stress how committed I am and always have been to success this summer. I care passionately about this job and I want everyone to know that. I have always enjoyed the incredible support of the fans and I know how important they will be to us in Germany. This summer is the culmination of everything we have been working towards over the last five years. I’ve been asked to win the World Cup and after that I’ve been asked to look after my life.
Have you enjoyed the pressure?
I’m not sure if enjoy is the right word but as a football manager it is something you live with 24 hours a day. I’ve lived with pressure for a long time and it will be even bigger in the next few weeks – and I like the prospect of that.
It’s better to have a job with a lot of pressure than with none at all.
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