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The Greatest Comeback: From Genocide to Football Glory

The Story of Bela Guttman
By David Bolchover
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Greatest Comeback: From Genocide to Football Glory by David Bolchover chronicles the remarkable story of Béla Guttmann, a Jewish football coach who survived the horrors of the Holocaust and went on to achieve unprecedented success in the world of football. This biography explores his life journey, including his escape from World War II Europe and his triumphs in managing top football clubs, revealing the indomitable spirit and resilience of a man who turned personal tragedy into a legendary career in sports.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you are captivated by stories of resilience and triumph against overwhelming odds. It chronicles the extraordinary journey of a Holocaust survivor who overcame immense adversity to become a respected figure in the world of football, offering both a gripping historical narrative and an inspiring personal saga. Perfect for readers who appreciate biographies that combine history, sports, and the indomitable human spirit.

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Before Pep Guardiola and before Jose Mourinho, there was Bela Guttmann: the first superstar football coach, and the man who paved the way for the celebrated coaches of the modern age.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Before Pep Guardiola and before José Mourinho, there was Béla Guttmann: the first superstar football coach, and the man who paved the way for the celebrated coaches of the modern age.

He was also a Holocaust survivor. In 1944, much of Europe had wanted Guttmann dead. He hid for months in an attic near Budapest as thousands of fellow Jews in the neighbourhood were dragged off to be murdered. Later, he escaped from a slave labour camp before a planned deportation and almost certain death. His father, sister, and wider family were murdered.

But by 1961, as coach of Benfica, he had lifted Europe's greatest sporting prize, the European Cup, a feat he repeated the following year.

This biography spans two contrasting visions of Europe: one of barbarism and genocide, and one of beauty, wonder, and romance, of balmy evenings in magnificent cities, where great players would stretch every sinew in a bid to win football's holy grail. With dark forces rising once again on that continent, the story of Béla Guttmann's life asks the question: which vision will triumph in our times?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book The Greatest Comeback by David Bolchover is praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative, providing a compelling account of Béla Guttmann's life. It is admired for seamlessly combining elements of sports biography with a survivor's tale, making it a moving and insightful read. Critics appreciate its ability to explore both Guttmann's football achievements and his survival through history's darkest times, offering a remarkable blend of history and memoir.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781785903717

Publisher: Biteback Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 January 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Biteback Publishing

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 304

Collections

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About the Author

David Bolchover is an author and commentator. He has published three previous books, including the bestselling 90-Minute Manager, which explored the various management styles of the great football coaches. He has written for a number of leading newspapers, such as The Times, the Telegraph and the Financial Times, and has frequently appeared on the BBC, Sky and other broadcast outlets.

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