Callum Rice-Coates

Senior Writer

Marcelo Bielsa: the Mexico diaries

One of modern football’s greatest visionaries, Marcelo Bielsa has influenced coaches the world over. His journey, however, began humbly in Mexico

Mauricio Pochettino: the Espanyol diaries

Now regarded as world-class, it took an eventful, tricky but largely successful stint at Espanyol for Pochettino to become the manager he is today

The damned career of Christoph Metzelder

In the end, it was a career of unfulfilled potential, one cruelly defined by injuries. Christoph Metzelder, ever the optimist, didn’t see it like that though: “I am just thankful for my…

The coming of Isco: a star finally on the way to greatness

Illustration by Federico Manasse The headlines the morning after seemed hyperbolic, but those that witnessed it knew there was no exaggeration. “What a bully!” read Marca’s front page. “Sensational”, effused Mundo Deportivo.…

Gareth Bale: the man who redefined Welsh football’s future

Illustration by Federico Manasse When Gareth Bale struck the ball from 30 yards towards England goalkeeper Joe Hart, there was a pause of tentative expectation from the watching Wales fans. It felt…

Xavi and the modern art of midfield dominance

Illustration by Federico Manasse Xavi Hernández departed the pitch for the final time as a Barcelona player, filled with emotion. It was bittersweet for the then-35-year-old, who departed for Qatar in 2015…

Zinedine Zidane: myth, God and king

Illustration by Federico Manasse “Zidane is a myth,” said former France coach Raymond Domenech. “A myth capable of setting off emotions in people, and not only positive ones.” Domenech’s assessment of a player…

Johan Cruyff: the American diaries

Johan Cruyff’s impact on football was far-reaching to say the least. His influence on the game in the Netherlands and Spain has been rightly lauded, and his role in the revolutionary Total…