A clutch of books were published telling the story of Leicester City's amazing achievement in winning the Premier League in 2016; this one, co-written by two Italian journalists well acquainted with Claudio Ranieri and the English game, gives a more rounded view of the team's manager, charting his childhood in Rome, his determined path to a career in top level Italian football as a defender with the obscure southern Italian side Catanzaro, and the bulk of the book, his thirty year managerial career.
The book is very much Italian in style, tending to the dramatic and much entertaining hyperbole, but the authors;' love of the beautiful game, the essence of Ranieri himself, driven, human and above all a passionate and masterful tactician of the art of the counter-attack, shines through on the pages, and, admittedly in hindsight, give many clues as to the extraordinary events as that season unfolded.
Seen in this way - the best shorthand for the Leicester phenomenon is that he got them playing like Italians - the drama intensifies in the second half of the book which is a chronological account of the 2015-2016 season. Here is the realisation that game after game, the team were consistently defending well, counter-attacking with pace and decisiveness - Leicester's record over that season showed almost metronomic achievement, every ten games played they'd win six or seven, draw two or three and lose one. Incredibly, the combined mights of many of the World's richest and well-resourced teams seemed incapable of countering these deceptively simple tactics. The team was resolute and unlike many "smaller" clubs before, were not stumbling as the effects of a long season, stretched resources, and - yes - dumb luck, added to the pressure of being front runners.
So, the story unfolds and its unlikely cast of characters; the avuncular Ranieri characterised as being washed-up when appointed in July 2015, became a maestro conducting the elusive genius of Riyad Mahrez, the incredible work ethic of N'Golo Kante, and the lightning speed and deadly finishing of Jamie Vardy melded into a team of unconsidered talents, for whom even a season or two of struggle in the top Division seemed beyond their ambition and capabilities only a few months before Ranieri's appointment.
The bonuses of the book are the focus on his Italian coaching career and later moves abroad, the finest of which is rightly celebrated here.
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Hail, Claudio!: The Man, the Manager, the Miracle Hardcover – 3 Nov. 2016
by
Gabriele Marcotti
(Author),
Alberto Polverosi
(Author)
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A player for 15 years. A manager for 30. Leicester City’s victory was more – much more – than just a “miracle”. It was Claudio Ranieri.
This is the inside story of the rise and rise of the butcher’s son from Rome, whose hard work, passion for the game and ability to learn from his mistakes have earned him the respect of players, fans and owners worldwide.
Between them, journalists Gabriele Marcotti and Alberto Polveros have known Claudio Ranieri since his early days as a determined central defender. During that time, they have closely followed his successes, his failures and his evolution – as a player, as a manager and as a person.
From Ranieri’s career as a dogged – if not gifted – player, to the skilful tactics, single-minded focus and risk-taking transfers that have set him apart as a manager at teams like Roma and Chelsea, this is the only in-depth insight into the man behind Leicester City’s Premiership triumph.
This is the inside story of the rise and rise of the butcher’s son from Rome, whose hard work, passion for the game and ability to learn from his mistakes have earned him the respect of players, fans and owners worldwide.
Between them, journalists Gabriele Marcotti and Alberto Polveros have known Claudio Ranieri since his early days as a determined central defender. During that time, they have closely followed his successes, his failures and his evolution – as a player, as a manager and as a person.
From Ranieri’s career as a dogged – if not gifted – player, to the skilful tactics, single-minded focus and risk-taking transfers that have set him apart as a manager at teams like Roma and Chelsea, this is the only in-depth insight into the man behind Leicester City’s Premiership triumph.
- Print length320 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherYellow Jersey
- Publication date3 Nov. 2016
- Dimensions3.05 x 16.26 x 23.62 cm
- ISBN-10022410067X
- ISBN-13978-0224100670
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Review
"In this inside account, it is Ranieri’s steadiness and dignity that impress most." (Nick Pitt Sunday Times, Book of the Year)
Book Description
Leicester City’s victory was more than just a “miracle”. It was hard work and humility. It was skills and tactics. It was Claudio Ranieri.
About the Author
Gabriele Marcotti (Author)
Born in Italy and now living in London, Gabriele Marcotti is a senior writer and analyst for ESPN, World Football Correspondent for The Times and UK correspondent for Corriere dello Sport. His previous books include The Italian Job: A Journey to the Heart of Two Great Footballing Cultures, shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, and Capello: Portrait of a Winner.
Alberto Polverosi (Author)
Alberto Polverosi was born in Montelupo Fiorentino, Tuscany and has been writing for Corriere dello Sport since 1977. He has covered eight World Cups and seven European Championships. He lives in Florence.
Born in Italy and now living in London, Gabriele Marcotti is a senior writer and analyst for ESPN, World Football Correspondent for The Times and UK correspondent for Corriere dello Sport. His previous books include The Italian Job: A Journey to the Heart of Two Great Footballing Cultures, shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, and Capello: Portrait of a Winner.
Alberto Polverosi (Author)
Alberto Polverosi was born in Montelupo Fiorentino, Tuscany and has been writing for Corriere dello Sport since 1977. He has covered eight World Cups and seven European Championships. He lives in Florence.
Product details
- Publisher : Yellow Jersey (3 Nov. 2016)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 022410067X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0224100670
- Dimensions : 3.05 x 16.26 x 23.62 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 1,115,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 2,492 in Sporting Events
- 3,491 in Football Biographies (Books)
- 5,474 in Football Clubs
- Customer reviews:
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4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
59 global ratings
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 April 2018
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 January 2017
Quite simply, this is the best football biography I have read. The book is clearly and rightly aimed at the football fan who is looking for a detailed explanation of the extraordinary success of last season and, insofar as it is possible to provide such, this book does its job splendidly.
The first half of the book deals with Ranieri's career prior to his arrival at Leicester. A somewhat chequered career it may have been ( the undoubted low point the 1-0 defeat of his Greek national side by the Faróe Islands) but the authors show beyond reasonable doubt that there were more ups than downs.
Upon arrival at the King Power Stadium the authors reveal Ranieri's delight with the excellence of the players he has inherited Details of some of the games played are included to illustrate the qualities of the team and its manager. A few of the players are also considered in detail, notably Jamie Vardy.. Along the way one or two myths are dispelled,including the 5000 to 1 story.
By the close of the book the reader will understand fully just how it was possible for Leicester's victory to have been achieved and Ranieri's part in that achievement.I wholly recommend this beautifully written and thought provoking book to you.
The first half of the book deals with Ranieri's career prior to his arrival at Leicester. A somewhat chequered career it may have been ( the undoubted low point the 1-0 defeat of his Greek national side by the Faróe Islands) but the authors show beyond reasonable doubt that there were more ups than downs.
Upon arrival at the King Power Stadium the authors reveal Ranieri's delight with the excellence of the players he has inherited Details of some of the games played are included to illustrate the qualities of the team and its manager. A few of the players are also considered in detail, notably Jamie Vardy.. Along the way one or two myths are dispelled,including the 5000 to 1 story.
By the close of the book the reader will understand fully just how it was possible for Leicester's victory to have been achieved and Ranieri's part in that achievement.I wholly recommend this beautifully written and thought provoking book to you.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 March 2019
Lovely book , unfortunately it did not arrive in time for Xmas , about 6 weeks after, but luckily the recipient had a birthday so kept the book for that and was pleased.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 January 2018
Just finished reading this book,it is a book l would gladly recommend as the dept of research for the book is very pleasing.I am more aware of the Teams Claudio Coached and also the reason the positions were available to him.Well worth your time as the analytical breakdown of the Reason Leicester may have won is a fine piece of writing .What are you waiting for.......
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 December 2016
An interesting read for those who have followed Ranieri's career and especially his transformation of Leicester City FC
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 January 2017
Very very good service. The name speedyhen means just that. Thankyou.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 December 2016
Arrived on time and in good condition. Very happy. Thanks
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 August 2022
The book arrived with a blood-stained cover and what looks like a bite taken out of book and cover - it was described as in 'Very Good' condition. It's in appalling condition and will go straight to the local tip!
A full refund is no use to me as, after paying return postage, I'd net about 70p.
A full refund is no use to me as, after paying return postage, I'd net about 70p.
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Ottimo
Reviewed in Italy on 21 November 2022
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Shrey Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing book for young athletes
Reviewed in India on 19 June 2021
This book will tell you that nothing is impossible in life.Amazing inside talks and motivation.Leicester city overcoming 5000-1 odds is just unbelievable.Will go down as the best moments in the history of sports.
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Reviewed in India on 19 June 2021
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