Coauthor of Soccernomics and longtime Financial Times journalist Simon Kuper tells the story of how FC Barcelona became the most successful club in the world—and how that era is now ending.
... a deep study ... Readers should not be dissuaded from the book because they think it is only for soccer fans. Kuper is an accomplished writer who places the sport in a world context, and the insights presented here have application far beyond soccer. Whether you enjoy sports or are interested in how winning organizations achieve their success, you will find a treasure trove of fascinating material ... a wonderful book about sports and team building. Even if you think that soccer is a boring game, you will enjoy this exhaustive and detailed sports classic.
... gripping ... packed with managerial tips and tricks, from training routines (a chain-smoker, Cruyff favoured ball skills over the gym) to strategy ... But the book’s appeal goes further. At its heart, this is an intimately told story about how to create a winning organisational culture—and how, by avoiding Barça’s mistakes, not to lose it. Offered unprecedented access, Kuper’s interviews range from board members to scouts. Little escapes his keen eye ... Business readers looking for insights will be sadly disappointed ... There’s also little for gossip-hungry fans ... Instead, it offers a grounded and often witty peek behind the scenes. “
... an insider’s view of FC Barcelona, introducing readers to a 'Who’s Who in the House of Barça' and pulling back the curtain to reveal what fuels the powerhouse organization ... Kuper vividly captures the unique cultural phenomenon that is FC Barcelona. A must for soccer fans.
