The Barcelona Inheritance

The Evolution of Winning Soccer Tactics from Cruyff to Guardiola

By: Jonathan Wilson

Narrated by: Charlie Anson

From Cruyff's "Total Football" to the epic rivalry between Guardiola and Mourinho, a gripping chronicle of the rise and fall of Barcelona's dominance in world soccer.

Barcelona's style of play -- pressing and possessing -- is the single biggest influence on modern soccer. In The Barcelona Inheritance, Jonathan Wilson reveals how and why this came to pass, offering a deep analysis of the evolution of soccer tactics and style.

In the late 1990s, Johan Cruyff's Dream Team was disintegrating and the revolutionary manager had departed, but his style gave birth to a new generation of thinkers, including Pep Guardiola and Joséourinho. Today, their teams are first and second in the Premier League, marking the latest installment in a rivalry that can be traced back twenty-five years.

The Barcelona Inheritance is a book about the tactics, the personalities, the friendships, and, in one case, an apocalyptic falling-out that continue to shape the game today.

Critic reviews

"Wilson offers broad historical perspective to bolster his claim that 'For a long time the best Dutch football has been played in Spain.' As with his remarkable history ofsoccer tactics, Inverting the Pyramid (2013), this latest will appeal primarily to wonky fans who see the game behind the game-but for them, it's a winner."—Booklist

the greatest football book of all time

You learn so much from this book and deeply understand the importance of Johan Cruyff in football his philosophy his impact and his importance. As it goes deeply into specifics of what made him so great as well as the ripple effect of the impact he made on the sport

another great book by Wilson

well written, well thought through. the synopsis of how different players, managers adopted what they learned through their time at barca and ajax is welcomed. good for any modern coach to think about. adapt to your situation or forever keep your chosen prinicples, that's a good question.

Diehard Barca Fans Only

This book is well written and goes in great detail. However, unless you are Barca fan, you may be disappointed as the level of information shared goes beyond a cursory passive fan perspective.

must read for football lovers

geeky, consize and chewable for Monday morning managers.

the Mourinho chapters had their over the top soap opera feel to it , but it goes with the subject matter so yeah the cheap thrills are all in here .

Fantastic

A great listen to the coaching growth and philosophy of the Barcelona coach. A must read.