How Sir Bobby Robson influenced Guardiola, Mourinho & Rijkaard

Sir Bobby Robson was a universally loved and respected manager, with his wisdom, charisma, and innovative approach to football winning the hearts of players and fans across the globe throughout his illustrious career.

Sir Bobby, as he was known by those closest to him, died on July 31 2009 after a long battle with lung cancer.

His death brought outpourings of condolences and respect from across the footballing world, with his impact on the game being recognised by those who know the sport the best.

What younger fans today don't necessarily realise, is that some of the most successful and high-profile managers in today's game were mentored or influenced by Sir Bobby, including managers such as José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

His protégés have amassed impressive achievements, including UEFA Champions League titles and domestic league triumphs.

Robson's influence extended beyond tactical knowledge, fostering a deep love for the game and respect for opponents, with his interpersonal skills enabling him to get the most out of players in difficult situations.

How many of today's coaches studied under Sir Bobby Robson?

Sir Bobby Robson, a legendary figure in football management, mentored an array of coaches who have since made significant marks in the footballing world.

His coaching tree includes prominent names such as José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Frank Rijkaard, and André Villas-Boas, among others.

Robson's influence spanned various leagues and teams, offering guidance and sharing his profound knowledge of the game.

During his illustrious career, he managed clubs like Ipswich Town, Barcelona, Newcastle United, and England, and it was in these environments that many future top managers learned their trade.

José Mourinho

After working as Robson's translator and assistant at both Sporting CP and Barcelona, Mourinho went on to achieve significant success.

His managerial career boasts multiple Champions League titles with Porto and Inter Milan, as well as domestic league triumphs with Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola

Guardiola, who played under Robson at Barcelona, later transitioned into management with remarkable success.

He has won the Champions League with Barcelona and has led Manchester City to numerous Premier League titles, establishing himself as one of the most innovative tacticians in modern football.

Frank Rijkaard

Another protégé, Frank Rijkaard, also played under Robson at Barcelona, and found managerial success by leading the same club to Champions League glory and two LaLiga titles.

His influence on the team laid the groundwork for the tiki-taka style that became synonymous with Barcelona.

André Villas-Boas

André Villas-Boas, like Mourinho, started his career as a scout under Robson at Porto.

His career began with a chance encounter with Sir Bobby Robson, who happened to be living in the same apartment building as the 16-year-old Villas-Boas when the young Portuguese football enthusiastic grew the courage to tell Sir Bobby Robson what he thought about the Porto squad and what they should do next.

Impressed with his courage, as well as his tactical understanding of his Porto team, Sir Bobby gave André Villas-Boas a role in his opposition scouting team, advising Robson on how to set his team up against opponents.

Villas-Boas went on to manage top clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Marseille, without ever playing football at any level, showcasing the strategic acumen he developed during his early years under Robson's tutelage.

Villas-Boas is now FC Porto's president, a lifelong career goal for the Porto fan.

Why was Sir Bobby Robson so influential?

Sir Bobby Robson's influence extended beyond tactical expertise.

He was renowned for his ability to inspire and motivate his players and staff, fostering a culture of respect, hard work, and passion for the game.

His managerial career is replete with anecdotes that highlight his wisdom and charisma.

One famous story from his time at Ipswich Town involves a young Robson personally driving his players to training when the team bus broke down, illustrating his commitment and down-to-earth nature.

Sir Bobby Robson and Ronaldo Nazário at Barcelona

At Barcelona, Sir Bobby will be defined as the manager who signed a young Ronaldo Nazário from PSV Eindhoven.

Despite Ronaldo's youth, Robson had immense faith in his abilities.

During a team meeting, Robson introduced Ronaldo to the rest of the squad and confidently declared:

"This is Ronaldo. He's going to be the best player in the world."

Ronaldo went on to score an astonishing 47 goals in 49 games that season, proving Robson's prediction right.

The half-time cigarette at Ipswich Town

During his tenure at Ipswich Town, Robson was known for his unconventional methods to keep players relaxed and motivated.

One such story involves the legendary Ipswich goalkeeper Paul Cooper.

In the middle of an intense match, Robson noticed that Cooper seemed unusually tense.

At half-time, Robson handed him a cigarette and said, "Have a smoke and calm down." This unexpected gesture helped Cooper relax, and he went on to perform brilliantly in the second half.

The Kieran Dyer "Grandad" incident at Newcastle

Robson’s affable nature and sense of humour were well-known. When managing Newcastle United, he was affectionately called "Grandad" by the younger players.

During a particularly heated training session, Kieron Dyer jokingly shouted, "Come on, Grandad, show us what you've got!"

Robson, never one to back down from a challenge, joined in the session, demonstrating his skills and showing the youngsters that he still had plenty to offer, both in terms of football knowledge and ability to bond with players on their level.

What do Sir Bobby Robson's former players and colleagues say about him?

Robson's former players and colleagues often speak of his kindness and tactical genius.

Mourinho has frequently credited Robson with being a major influence on his career, praising his ability to read the game and manage diverse personalities.

Guardiola, too, has spoken about the lasting impact of Robson’s leadership and the invaluable lessons learned during their time together at Barcelona.

Robson's legacy is not merely defined by the trophies he won but by the enduring influence he had on those around him.

His coaching tree is a testament to his profound impact on the footballing world, with many of his proteges continuing to embody his principles of dedication, respect, and love for the beautiful game.

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