The late Sven-Göran Eriksson’s advice on playing football, which flipped a switch in the comedian and actor’s brain, has been revealed.
Sven-Göran Eriksson, who arguably had the best management in football, said a wise phrase that resonated with Lee Mack. Before Sven tragically passed away last year at the age of 76, the comedian and actor collaborated with the late manager on a documentary.
Over the course of his career, the former right-back went on to become the coach of the England national team, Leicester City and S.L. Benfica, picking up invaluable experience which he put to use when he worked with Soccer Aid as the England manager in 2021.
Prior to filming the documentary, Lee had played for the England team and took three penalties – missing out on each opportunity. But it was a few words of advice from Sven which saw Lee’s outlook on the match completely change. “We did a documentary of me as the old player building up to being in Soccer Aid for the fourth time,” Lee told the Mirror.
The 56-year-old Not Going Out Star went on to add: “It was an hour special on ITV, we got the late great Sven involved and he basically told me what I needed to do and then I went and did it. ‘Go and practice your penalties, go and get fit, start acting like a footballer.
I think it was very clear that the entire thing was just one big sketch, and that I just decided it’s only fair that I share out the badness. He sacked me at the end and said, “You can’t play for England, go and play for World XI.” You share the love, so you have to share the badness with England because I’ve been doing it for a while.
Lee joked that due to his Irish heritage, he made the decision to play for the World XI after years of playing for England. He responded, “So I thought I’ll even up the sides by playing for the other side.” Because I scored, it turned out well. I believe that European footballers understand that the weakest player is only as good as the weakest player, so they are a little more encouraging than some of the obedient England players.
The comic acknowledges that European footballers are very different from English footballers, despite being “great fun.” Arsene Wenger was the first manager to avoid shouting at the players, he said. He arrived, introduced himself, and kind of spoke to players with less cynicism and more intelligence. We still practice the adage, “Roll your sleeves up and scream.” “
This year, the Southport-born star is returning to Soccer Aid for the eighth time, alongside players including Gorka Márquez, Martin Compston, and YouTube star TBJZL. They’ll be joined by footballing legends, Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidić and Leonardo Bonucci as they battle against Tom Grennan, Louis Tomlinson, Joe Hart, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney.
Lee remarked about the event, “I wouldn’t do any exercise without this every year. I say to myself, “Right, I have to get in shape,” so a treadmill I bought a few years ago is now, and it always comes back and forth. I believe I went on it the night before last year.
Although this is his eighth call up, he always thinks he won’t play again despite it being his eighth. He continued, “I assume they won’t ask me back every year, so it’s very exciting when I get the call. I’m in the point where I should stop thinking after each one because it takes months and months before I feel better.
“But when the call comes, and says, “Do you want to do it?” I always say, “Yes, definitely. ” However, he made fun of the fact that he is the “oldest outfield player” every year, which means he must deal with physical ailments every year. Lee joked that his position essentially serves as a “goal hanger.” But when he first began using Soccer Aid, he quickly realized that being on the pitch in one spot is “exhausting,” he joked.
He continued, “You’ve got to get a little fit; the training lasts three days and consists of a few hours of play; at my age, you don’t play football three days on the run, then you play the match,” adding, “You’ve got to get a little fit.” I’ve always enjoyed playing with local dads once per week.
Over £106 million has been raised for UNCIEF since Soccer Aid’s launch 20 years ago, with records being broken year after year. Lee continued, “It doesn’t seem to slow down in any way,” adding that despite being held once every two years, he anticipated it would be more difficult to draw in crowds and money each year.
The stadium always sells out, he said, adding that “the money raised is incredible and seems to keep rising.” He continues, “As an abstract concept,” the money raised is difficult to imagine how much money would cost.
When they show it in action or when you learn what £100 or £20 can buy, it’s fantastic.
The match takes place on Sunday 15th of June at Old Trafford, Manchester, with adult tickets priced at £20 and juniors from £10. Tickets are available now on the Soccer Aid for UNICEF website.
