Champions Journal | Issue 06

“It’s my job to score goals.” Well Erling, you’re certainly fulfilling the brief. Caroline de Moraes chats to Dortmund’s Norwegian sensation about his whirlwind rise, some fascinating Insta pics and – you guessed it – goals in Issue 6 of Champions Journal.

As Haaland kicks off his career, Zlatan Ibrahimović explains the secrets of his longevity to Paolo Menicucci. Behind the Zlatanisms – and he doesn’t disappoint – Ibra shows a more reflective side as he charts his progress back to the top after his horrendous career-threatening injury nearly four years ago.

From players to coaches, we listen in on a fascinating Zoom chat between Jürgen Klopp and Julian Nagelsmann as they discuss the difficulties of managing a team during the Covid crisis. Graham Hunter, meanwhile, catches up with Mauricio Pochettino in Paris, talking wolves with the Argentinian whose players could not be tamed in Barcelona…

We’ve also gone back to basics, with Simon Hart examining a key tool of the player’s trade – the foot – and Dan Poole turning his focus on another – the ball – on the 20th anniversary of the much-loved and iconic adidas Finale.

Away from the pitch, for travel, Ivan Rakitić opens up about his love for the Andalusian capital, Seville; in music, Pascal Claude spins us some tunes from his insanely eclectic football singles record collection; and for food, Ali Riley tries to get us eating more healthily. And do watch our video of Ian Holyman’s wonderful conversation with Marcel Desailly about his back-to-back European Cup wins. The man’s a legend. (Marcel that is, though Ian’s getting there…)

Anyway, have a read and see for yourself!