New insights into Brazil's unusual preparations for their triumphant 1970 World Cup campaign are emerging from a forthcoming book by Mark Biram and Tim Vickery. The extract details the strange period leading up to the classic tournament, particularly focusing on the appointment and methods of coach João Saldanha, a figure as renowned for his journalism and political leanings as for his brief coaching career.
Saldanha, a widely respected football journalist with a gift for communication, took the helm of the national team in January 1969. His coaching experience was minimal, having had only a short stint in charge of Botafogo more than a decade prior. Despite this lack of traditional coaching credentials, his immense popularity and ability to articulate his vision made him a compelling choice for the role, albeit an unconventional one.
The book promises to delve into the unique aspects of Saldanha's tenure, which included a blend of diverse influences ranging from communist ideology to the scientific approaches of NASA. This eclectic mix was applied to a squad featuring footballing legend Pelé, creating a fascinating backdrop to one of the sport's most iconic World Cup victories.
The narrative surrounding Brazil's 1970 campaign is often dominated by the dazzling football played by Pelé and his teammates. However, Biram and Vickery's work aims to shed light on the less-explored elements of their preparation, including the political climate of the time and the unconventional strategies employed by Saldanha to forge a winning team.
This period saw the Seleção undergo a build-up unlike any other, with Saldanha's idiosyncratic methods laying the groundwork for a team that would ultimately lift the Jules Rimet trophy in Mexico. The book is expected to offer a rich tapestry of anecdotes and historical detail, providing a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in football history.