Sven counts lucky stars
Monday, 26 December, 2005
Sven-Goran Eriksson tells TheFA.com how lucky he is to be England Head Coach.
As millions of children are enjoying their new Christmas gifts, Sven-Goran Eriksson knows he has one of the best presents in football – the job of England Head Coach.
"I know I am very lucky with the job I have," Sven told TheFA.com. “I have been extremely lucky in my life.
“When I was a young guy, football was my hobby. I tried very hard to be a professional without any success at all. But today, what was once a hobby is now my work. So, when I wake up in the morning I never complain about the job I have."
The festive period is a time to reflect on those who are less fortunate than ourselves and Sven took time out last week to hand out presents during a recent trip to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he is a patron.
The Swede does not take his privileged position for granted.
"I remember once when I was managing in Italy and my team had lost a game and the atmosphere was incredibly downbeat among the players,” added Sven. “At the back of the bus there were players moaning. It was not a nice place to be.
“Suddenly I asked the coach driver to stop the bus because we passed two men digging a hole in the ground by the side of the road.
"I went to the back of the bus and I said ‘you guys who are sitting here complaining - do you want to change your jobs with those two out there? Or would you like to change your salary with them?’
"There was complete silence on the bus and we had no more complaints for a long time after that. We are very lucky with what we do.”
Treating everyone with respect is something Sven has instilled in the whole England camp, not just the players, and the 57 year old believes this has contributed to an excellent team spirit.
“Whoever you are dealing with, whether it be a player, a kit-man, an administrator, a masseur or a doctor, you must treat people in the same way. You don’t treat people according to their salary, you treat people because they are people and you want to have a good atmosphere.
“The team spirit is excellent, it couldn’t be better. The key is that everyone has to agree that respect for each other is important.
“That goes for everyone, whether it be between me and the players, the players themselves or between the players and the staff.
“But we have a very good group of players. They are good young men.”