Bobby in Barcelona

Sir Bobby Robson, a football manager hailing from County Durham, established himself as a legend when managing the England national team from 1982-1990. Most will know of his man-management skills, especially with the troubled star, Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne. However, after leading his nation to the semi-finals of the Italia 90' World Cup, Bobby knew it was time for a new challenge; one away from Britain. Somehow, some British prensa sensacionalista (tabloid press) questioned his patriotism and loyalty to the FA. This uncalled for slander did no more than push one of England's greatest managers further away from the toxicity of home.

Source: Chronicle Live

After two seasons in the Países Bajos (The Low Lands, aka The Netherlands), with PSV Eindhoven, Bobby showed a willingness to embrace the national culture. He dedicated most of his free time to learning Dutch and getting to grips with local traditions. He was in his element. During his time there, he also won back-to-back Eredivisie titles, yet failed to progress in European competition. His following two moves were to Portugal, as míster (gaffer) of Sporting Lisbon and then Porto. At both clubs, he used an imitador (impersonator), who's name was José Mourinho. From translating Portuguese, to discussing tactics, Bobby saw him as his protégé. An up and coming manager, with a desire to learn and improve, José made for a great assistant during his time in Portugal. Together, Bobby and José, guided Porto to cup success and league titles in the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons- despite Bobby being ill for the majority of his second season, suffering from Melanoma, he had done the city of Porto proud and enjoyed success in a new environment.

Source: Poddtoppen

On the back of this, Bobby was chosen by FC Barcelona to replace one of the club's greatest players and managers, Johan Cruyff, in the summer of 1996. Even though taking the job whilst enduring ongoing health problems, Bobby received full support from his esposa (wife), Elsie, who knew this was his last chance to manage one of world football's best. It was a risk and carried its own pressures, as Barcelona had gone two years without a La Liga title, but Bobby was used to all this by now. Besides, he brought his asistente (assistant), José, to give fresh ideas to invigorate his experienced mindset. Barcelona's vice-president, Joan Gaspart, agreed to his terms of bringing his own staff, and the switch from one side of the Península Ibérica (Iberian Penninsular) to the other was complete.

Source: These Football Times

Arriving on the back of two subpar seasons for Barcelona, Bobby was tasked with getting more fans to watch the side, he opted to make a high-profile signing. Using his old contacts at PSV, he secured the services of 19-year-old Brazilian striker, Ronaldo Nazário. The OG Ronaldo, El Fenomeno (The Phenomenon). It took a cantidad récord (record fee) of €20 million to sign the young brasilero, so it came as no surprise to Bobby that his job depended Ronaldo coming good and performing consistently for the team. A month after signing, in August 1996, at the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc in Barcelona, Ronaldo made his debut in the Supercopa (Super Cup). He scored twice and assisted once, as the Cúles (Barcelona) won Bobby's first trophy for the club. R9's raw pace, samba skills and determination across the two legs set the tone for his time in the Condal City, he was simply too good. The confidence and trust Bobby gave him allowed him to be free and play with youthful fearlessness. Without that, it is hard to see him reach the heights that he did.

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Bobby was criticised and hounded by the Spanish press weekly, regardless of the result. What it boiled down to was simple, they were angry that he was not Johan Cruyff, their legend. Instead, this hostility towards the manager throughout the season provided real pantomime that baffled all who supported Sir Bobby. It was politics, from start to finish. During one press conference, the Barcleona team were slated for only winning by a three goal margen (margin). To which, Bobby responded "if they expect me to sit here and criticise the players, [then] I may as well go out of the door, because I am not going to do that". His loyalty in the face of adversity was a sign of his bravery, even if it made him a lone figure in the city. The Barcelona faithful always seemed to be waiting for Bobby to slip up, and in the Copa del Rey quarter final against Atléti, they almost had their wish.

Source: The Guardian

Before the inicio del partido (kick-off) at the Camp Nou, there were rumours of Barcelona replacing Bobby with Louis Van Gaal, who was in the stands watching; like a vulture sniffing around its prey. With the fans on the players' back, they conceded three without reply in the first half. With away goals in favour of the Rojiblancos (red and white of Athletico Madrid), it seemed certain that Bobby was on his way to be axed. 100,000 fans all jeered the side as they went to the vestuario (changing room), waving their pañuelo (handkerchiefs) at the players and manager- a Catalan sign of discontent.

During his half time charla (team talk), he was calm and simply asked for the players to play with pride. They did just that. They fought back to 3-2, before Atléti scored a fourth. So close. Then, luckily for Bobby, he could rely on the likes of Figo, Stoikohvic and his beloved Ronaldo, to pull them out of the mud, as the team won 5-4 by the end of the night. After continuous slating from fans and the press, it was Bobby's gladiator moment- and entertained they were. Their spirit carried them through the match, as they went onto win the Copa del Rey that season. Another trophy for Bobby.

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Following this domestic cup success, Barcelona were in with a chance for European glory. They faced PSG in the 1997 UEFA Cup Winners Cup in Rotterdam; Back to Holland for Bobby and Ronaldo. In this tense game, Barcelona won a penalty just before half time. Who else but Ronaldo, stepped up to take. A lot of pressure placed on young shoulders, with expectant fans back in Barcelona, he brushed the ball in the back of the net. Barcelona held onto their narrow lead and secured the cup. However, it was game over for Bobby, his time as manager was ended shortly after his European feat. The only thing the club cared for was the league title, which was the only thing Bobby could not achieve.

Source: The42

Van Gaal was then officially appointed his successor, with Bobby moved into a directors position. A change he did not take a liking to at all. After a year away from the dugout, he went onto return to Holland, before ending his career at his boyhood Newcastle. José offered to leave with him, yet Bobby ordered him to stay at Barca and make a career for himself. He always knew best. As the years passed, his legacy in management carried on long into his retirement and long after his passing, in 2009. Pep Guardiola, who played under him at Barca, thanked Bobby for inspiring him to become a manager. As did Pep's team mate, Luis Enrique, who also became a manager on the back of his experiences playing under him. The list goes on, with these, some of the game's greatest managers, singling out Bobby as the reason for their passion, their guiding light. "As a trainer he is, without a doubt, one of the greatest in the world"- Ronaldo Nazário.

Source: FourFourTwo

12 years after his passing, Sir Bobby Robson is still helping. If you wish to donate the the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, then follow the enlace (link)

Cheers, wor kid.

Source: BBC