The reign of Paul the Octopus
Mystic Meg of animal kingdom
Born in Weymouth, emigrated to Germany for a new life
Tipping Spain to beat Germany at 2010 World Cup, leading to threats
Tipping the Germans to triumph at Euro 2008
Denied big move to festival in Spain – should have put in transfer request
No, but accused of spreading some ‘ western propaganda’ by Iran’s president Ahmadinejad
Huge fan of the Stone Roses
Fortune- telling establishment in Singapore
Correct with all four 2010 World Cup quarter- finals
Failing to foresee Spain’s win in final – or Nigel de Jong’s tackle
Press turned 2010 into ‘ octopus vs parakeet’ showdown
No
Packed her trunk and said goodbye to the circus
Germany’s Serengeti- Park, only 40 degrees colder than the actual Serengeti
Backing Bayern to beat Dortmund in 2013 Champions League Final
Backing France to beat Germany in 2014 – what a traitor
Fierce rivalry with fellow German oracle Astrid the Seal
Who the hell eats an elephant?
Like Harry Maguire, but a turtle
Sanctuary in Brazil
Tipping Brazil to open 2014 World Cup with victory
Tipping Brazil to beat Germany in semi- finals. Oh dear...
Irresponsibly failing to warn the nation of 7- 1 thrashing
No
Paul the Octopus wannabe
The fishing waters of Japan
Getting all of Japan’s group results right at 2018 World Cup
That it would be safe in the hands of its owners
Its sorry end
Yes – killed and sent to market. If only he had seen it coming
focuses clearly on Bielsa’s brand of ‘ revivalist football’ that he brought to Athletic Bilbao, Marseille and Leeds. The book adopts a refreshing view on why several of his teams have petered out in the latter stages of seasons, as Leeds did in 2018- 19.
There’s no doubt Bielsa is a complex and controversial character. His passion for the game was born in Rosario, where Rich argues the soul of Argentine football lies, and Bielsa’s belief in sending employees to gather tips on rival teams has long been part of his toolkit. A detailed study into one of football’s most enigmatic managers.