Description
WE ARE THE CATALANS
Book Summary
This book explores the fascinating connection between Catalan football and the English Premier League, the most prestigious competition in the world. Through a journey from the north to the south of England, authors Àlex Castells and Jordi Sunyer unveil the stories of the Catalan footballers, coaches, and executives who have triumphed in British football. More than a simple sports account, the work becomes a small travel guide that uncovers the cultural and social impact of this "migration of the ball," offering a unique perspective on how the Catalan school has conquered a traditionally hermetic territory.
What is it about?
In the midst of the excitement surrounding the Barça football model, the English Premier League is consolidating itself year after year as the most attractive competition in the world. The prestige of the Catalan school and the meticulous organization of the English professional championships have created a virtuous circle that has led dozens of footballers, coaches, and executives from Catalonia to clubs in Great Britain, which have traditionally been unreceptive to outside influences. From European champions to lower-division players, as well as renowned coaches, everyone details their experiences in this work. The authors guide the reader on a journey from north to south and east to west across England to meet these "migrants of the ball" and discover, through their eyes, how the English league has become the most prestigious in world football. At the same time, they explore cities and landscapes and recover surprising names and stories to trace, in the style of a small travel guide, a social and cultural portrait of the country that codified modern football.
Main themes
- The influence of the Catalan football school on the English Premier League.
- The personal and professional experiences of Catalan footballers, coaches, and executives in British football.
- A geographical and cultural tour of England through its cities and stadiums.
- An analysis of the Premier League's success model and its global appeal.
- The social and cultural history of English football and its relationship with foreign influences.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is recommended for football fans interested in the history and culture of the sport, followers of FC Barcelona and the Premier League, readers who enjoy travel narratives with a sporting backdrop, and anyone who wants to understand how the Catalan school has left an indelible mark on English football.
What this book offers
- A unique perspective on the migration of Catalan footballing talent to England, with direct testimonials from its protagonists.
- A detailed analysis of the keys to the Premier League's success and its relationship with the Catalan training model.
- A narrative journey that combines sport with the cultural and geographical exploration of England.
- Surprising and little-known stories that enrich the understanding of football as a global phenomenon.
- An enjoyable read that functions as both a sports chronicle and a travel guide.
Technical specifications
- Author: CASTELLS, ALEX; SUNYER, JORDI
- Publisher: Eumo Editorial SAU
- Language: cat
- Subject: FOOTBALL
- Collection: FORA DE JOC
- Binding: Paperback
- Date of publication: March 2013
- Number of pages: 208
- Weight: 455 g
Editorial Review
We Are The Catalans is a work that transcends mere sports analysis to delve into the social and cultural chronicle of a footballing diaspora. Its main value lies in the combination of personal testimonies, geographical travel, and reflection on two elite football models. For readers interested in football as a cultural phenomenon, this book offers an original and well-documented look at how the Catalan school has managed to make its way into the heart of English football.