Roy Hodgson's tenure as Crystal Palace manager is drawing to a close after the team's upcoming match against his former club, Liverpool. Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of this esteemed football figure, exploring captivating images and insightful quotes that have shaped his managerial career.
The Early Years: From Sweden to Switzerland
Hodgson won seven Swedish titles with Halmstads and Malmo before joining Neuchatel Xamax in 1990-91.
Roy Hodgson's managerial career took flight in Sweden, where he achieved remarkable success, securing seven Swedish titles with Halmstads and Malmo. In 1990, he made a move to Swiss club Neuchatel Xamax, leaving an indelible mark on the team.
Hodgson (pictured at a training session at USA 94) took Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup knockout stages and Euro 96.
Under Hodgson's guidance, the Swiss national team enjoyed success on the global stage. He steered them to the knockout stages of the 1994 World Cup and led them to Euro 96, narrowly missing out on further advancement.
The Italian Connection: Inter Milan and Beyond
Hodgson (pictured with Paul Ince) had two spells at Inter Milan. "He wasn't great, but he wasn't terrible," said Italian football expert Gabriele Marcotti.
Hodgson's journey continued in Italy, where he had two stints with Inter Milan. Although his time with the club was met with mixed reviews, he left an impression on Italian football enthusiasts.
Hodgson joined Blackburn in 1997, winning the prestigious Premier League Manager of the Month award in his first month.
Returning to English football, Hodgson took the helm at Blackburn Rovers in 1997. His impressive managerial skills earned him recognition as the Premier League Manager of the Month during his initial month with the club.
Triumphs in Denmark and Beyond
After a season with Grasshoppers in Switzerland, Hodgson went to Denmark and won the 2000-01 title with Copenhagen.
Hodgson's quest for success led him to Denmark, where he clinched the Danish title during his tenure with Copenhagen. This impressive achievement solidified his status as a respected figure in the managerial world.
He left Copenhagen to become Udinese boss (pictured here in his first game against Torino on the opening day of Serie A in 2001-02) but was sacked before Christmas.
Continuing his European journey, Hodgson took charge of Udinese in Italy. Although his time with the club was short-lived, his ambition and determination remained unwavering.
Finland, Fulham, and Beyond: A Glance at Later Years
After time in charge of the United Arab Emirates and Viking of Norway, Hodgson (right) became Finland boss.
Following his travels across Europe, Hodgson took over as the head coach of the Finnish national team. His leadership and tactical prowess brought Finland tantalizingly close to their first major tournament appearance.
Hodgson joined Fulham in 2007, leading them to the 2010 Europa League final.
Hodgson's tenure at Fulham marked a turning point in his career. Guiding the team to the 2010 Europa League final, he showcased his ability to nurture and motivate a squad to achieve remarkable feats.
Hodgson went on to manage Liverpool but departed after six months following a derby defeat by Everton in October 2010.
Liverpool beckoned next for Hodgson, but his time at the club proved to be short-lived. Despite facing challenges, his passion for the game remained evident, evident in his unwavering support for his team.
A Legacy at Crystal Palace
Hodgson took over West Brom in February 2011 and kept them up twice before leaving to take the England job.
Resurrecting his career, Hodgson found a home at West Bromwich Albion. His ability to guide the team to safety on multiple occasions showcased his strategic prowess and invaluable experience.
Hodgson led England to the Euro 2012 quarter-finals but faced disappointment in subsequent tournaments.
Hodgson's most significant managerial role came as the head coach of the England national team. Although their journey endured its ups and downs, his leadership took the team to the Euro 2012 quarter-finals, leaving a lasting impact on English football.
Hodgson rebuilt his reputation at boyhood club Crystal Palace, ensuring their Premier League survival season after season.
Returning to his boyhood club, Crystal Palace, Hodgson breathed new life into the team. With his guidance, the Eagles consistently secured their place in the Premier League, a testament to his unwavering commitment and tactical acumen.
'Someone has to take the slings and arrows' - Hodgson's Memorable Quotes
As we immerse ourselves in Roy Hodgson's career, let's appreciate some of his enlightening and memorable quotes:
"I don't really know what I am doing here. I thought my statement last night was sufficient. I'm no longer the England manager, my time has gone, but I was told it was important that I appear here. I suppose someone has to stand and take the slings and arrows that come with it." (News conference after resigning as England boss)
"My greatest achievement would have to be the water-into-wine job at Halmstads in 1976, but taking Switzerland to the last 16 of a World Cup and reaching the Uefa Cup final with Internazionale were good, and there were the five successive league titles with Malmo. Yet Fulham is something I'm just as proud of." (Sunday Times interview in 2009)
"Everyone knows Wayne is not the sort of person, with his Liverpool accent, who is going to be able to stand up in front of a lecture room of people. But he doesn't need to. All he has to do is make certain the players he is talking to understand where he is coming from." (On his England captain Wayne Rooney in 2014)
"From what I saw, I thought we dominated the second half totally. I thought the shape of the team was good today, the quality of our passing and movement was good. We didn't score goals and Everton did, but I refuse to accept that we were in any way outplayed or any way inferior. I watched the performance, and the second half was as good as I saw a Liverpool team play under my management, that is for sure." (After a derby defeat by Everton in 2010)
"Well, that's nonsense. Anybody who watched us play at that time, he no more played left wing than I did. What I remember, when I was at Inter, he scored four goals, I think, in the first six or seven games from free-kicks. During the rest of the season, he took about 28 free-kicks and never scored one. So I don't know if that was my fault as well." (On Roberto Carlos' claims of playing out of position at Inter Milan)
"I can't understand how we in football have allowed this rule to come into operation. It's ruining the game of football; the rules of football are accepted from people at an early age. These days we're in a situation where we can't understand what is a handball and what isn't; it's an absolute nonsense. I don't want to profit from it or lose to it; there's no doubt it's killing the game." (On the new handball law and VAR in 2020)
Roy Hodgson's dynamic career as a manager and his invaluable contributions to the footballing world will forever be remembered. His impact extends beyond the clubs he served, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of fans across the globe.
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