In the 1996-97 season, this was a remarkablel chapter in the history of FC Barcelona. After a year of turbulence marked by Johan Cruyff’s departure, the club turned to a new leader and commander, the English manager Sir Bobby Robson who at that time didnt speak a word of Spanish, to guide them through the storm. Little did Barcelona know that this season would become an amazing season to almost win everything they competed in, from UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup to Copa del Rey
As the season kicked off, the expectations were mixed. The Catalan giants were at a crossroads, with their dream team era seemingly coming to an end. Robson previously known for his successes at clubs like Porto, Sporting CP and PSV. He had the impossible task of rejuvenating Barcelona and returning them to the summit of Spanish and European football mountain.
From Robson’s appointment to the signing of a young Brazilian sensation named Ronaldo, we’ll explore the highs and lows, the key players, Key Staff members Mourinho and the memorable moments that defined this astonishing season. So fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a thrilling ride through the ups and downs of Barcelona’s unforgettable campaign in 1996-97.
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“I have had a lot of managers in football but the difference between all of them and Sir Bobby was his humanity and the relationships he had with the players. He was always like a father to everyone.” Ronaldo R9
Robson Taking Over the Reins
In May 1996, FC Barcelona found themselves in a precarious position. Johan Cruyff, the legendary figure who had steered the club to unprecedented success, was no longer at the helm. The Dream Team era had come to an end, the Blaugrana were searching for a new commander to lead them through the battlefields and come out victories.
Enter Bobby Robson, the unassuming yet highly respected English manager. Robson had earned his stripes in football management with successful stints at clubs like Porto, PSV, Sporting CP and he had a reputation for turning teams into winners. When the call came from Barcelona’s president, he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse, even if it meant leaving his beloved Porto.
Robson wasn’t alone in this adventure; he brought with him a relatively unknown but immensely talented assistant coach named Jose Mourinho. Mourinho was Robson translate/interpreter from Sporting CP, Robson took him to Porto and now to Barcelona FC
Robson had to rebuild a team that had lost its way, He has to galvanise squad full of talented individuals, and mentally convince them they can compete at the highest level of Spanish and European football. The fans were anxious, and the Spanish media would question whether Robson was the right man to follow in Cruyff’s footsteps.
Robson, however, was a man of conviction. At his first press conference, he made it clear that he wasn’t afraid to take on the challenge. He declared, “I am not afraid to follow him. When the President of the United States leaves, they have to get another President of the United States.” It was a statement that exuded confidence without arrogance.
The squad Robson inherited was talented but lacked cohesion. They came 3rd in the previous seasons, finishing behind rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in La Liga. Robson knew he had alot on his plate, and he wasted no time in changing things.
But what truly elevated Robson’s tenure was his eye for talent. In a stroke of genius, he identified a young Brazilian forward at PSV Eindhoven named Ronaldo. The world-record fee of £12.5 million seemed steep at the time, but it would soon be considered a bargain. Ronaldo, just 19 years old, would go on to score 47 goals in 49 games during his single season at Camp Nou, becoming the driving force behind Robson’s success.
Some argued that Robson merely lit the fuse and watched the fireworks when it came to Ronaldo’s brilliance. However, the player himself credited Robson as a father figure, highlighting the deep impact the English manager had on his development.
“There is not a person I would put an inch above Bobby Robson” Sir Alex Ferguson
The Transformation Begins
When Bobby Robson took the reins at FC Barcelona in May 1996, he inherited a squad that was talented but in need of rejuvenation. The Blaugrana had experienced a period of unprecedented success under the leadership of Johan Cruyff, with the famous Dream Team delivering 11 trophies in just eight seasons, including the elusive European Cup. However, the relationship between the club and the revered Dutchman had soured, leading to a messy divorce.
Barcelona had already set their sights on Louis van Gaal, the manager of Ajax, to take over, but there was a problem. Van Gaal had one year remaining on his contract with the Dutch club, necessitating a temporary solution for Barcelona. They needed someone to step in for a season, maintain stability, and ideally secure some silverware before Van Gaal’s arrival. Little did they know that Robson would exceed these expectations.
The squad Robson inherited from Cruyff’s tenure was hardly at the summit of Spanish football. They had faltered in the league for the previous two seasons, finishing fourth and then third, well behind the champions. The once-revered Dream Team was showing signs of decline.
Barcelona played a 4–2–3–1 formation with a double pivot, Robson also had players like Luis Figo, Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, and Laurent Blanc they were fundamental in Barcelona’s transformation. Figo would become a key figure for the club in the years to come.
The change in coach from Cruyff to Robson marked a significant shift in Barcelona’s playing style and approach. While Cruyff’s Dream Team was “Total Football”. Robson brought energy and highest standards in everything. He instilled a sense of heart and resilience in the squad, and he could also be funny at certain times too.
“He wrote a simple letter and it was like it meant so much more. Bobby is one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life.” Pep Guardiola
Trophies on the Horizon
The Super Cup trophy was the first to grace the Camp Nou under Robson’s guidance, a sign of things to come.
In the Supercopa de España, Barcelona faced off against Radomir Antić’s formidable Atletico Madrid. The first leg of the tie Robson’s team came out on top with 5–2 victory. It was an unbelievable debut profermance by a young Ronaldo, who scored two goals leaving the Catalans with a huge advantage against the reigning Spanish champions.
The second leg however was slightly different challenge for Barcelona. With Ronaldo, Giovanni, Vítor Baía, and Luis Figo unavailable due to international duties, Robson had to rely on a young Julen Lopetegui in goal and other bench players. Despite a 1–3 defeat in the second leg, the aggregate score favored Barça, ending 6–5 in their favor. This Super Cup triumph provided an early boost of confidence for Robson and his team.
The La Liga campaign in 1996/97, still featuring 22 teams, held high expectations for Barcelona. However, a couple of unexpected defeats in the final matchdays against Real Valladolid and Hércules proved costly. Real Madrid won La Liga with a narrow two point lead.
The Copa del Rey, however, would be a tournament to remember for the Culés. Barcelona faced their arch-rivals Real Madrid in the first round. Barcelona showcased their dominance by defeating Los Blancos with a 3–2 victory at the Camp Nou and securing a 1–1 draw on away.
The quarter-finals was an amazing game as Barcelona faced Atlético Madrid. The first leg ended in a spectacular draw 2–2 draw at the Rojiblancos’ stadium, highlighting the intensity of the contest. These are the night the Blaugranes will always remember.
Robson’s ability to inspire and lead them to victoires, along with the standout performances by Guardiola, Enrique, Figo these players played pivotal roles in important matches, they becomes role models for younger kids to look up to.
“If he had no time to go and play golf with his friends he would play between training sessions in the stadium. I saw him play inside the Nou Camp once from goal to goal. He was just a really happy person.” Jose Mourinho
The Legacy of Bobby Robson
Bobby Robson short tenure at FC Barcelona left a lasting legacy not just in terms of trophies but also through the players he nurtured, many of whom went on to have remarkable footballing careers and then a coaching career afterwards.
One of the standout figures from Robson’s squad was Pep Guardiola. Guardiola who initially made his name as a player under Cruyff’s guidance. Pep would learn and take in certain traits of Bobby, and become one of the most admired managers in the world. Guardiola would often talk about his deep respect for Robson’s managerial skills, highlighting the extreme influence the Englishman had on his own coaching philosophy.
The impact of Robson’s leadership doesnt just end at Guardiola. Laurent Blanc who played an important role in the squad and that season. He goes on to have a good coaching career at Paris Saint-Germain, French national team and now at Lyon.
Luis Enrique, who played a crucial role during Robson’s time, transitioned into management and eventually became the head coach of FC Barcelona. Enrique and the club continued to have success in winning the UEFA Champions League.
Julen Lopetegui, who filled in as goalkeeper when needed during that season, also ventured into coaching and managed the Spanish national team. He later took the helm at clubs like FC Porto, Spain, Sevilla then Wolves.
José Mourinho who was Robson interpreter at Sporting CP then followed him to Porto and again to Barcelona. Mourinho learnt alot when he was with Robson, Mourinho is one of the most iconic managers in the history, he has had a glittering career, managing top clubs like Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, and consistently achieving significant success.
These former players and Robson’s protégé like Mourinho are characteristic of the legacy Robson, who not only left his mark on the pitch but also played a vital role in shaping the future of football through his coaching leadership and mentorship.
The trophies won during the 1996–97 season, including the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España, serves a clear reminders of the success Robson achieved during his time at Barcelona. Ronaldo (R9) who was the top scorer with an impressive 47 goals, R9 won the Ballon d’Or that season under Robson.
Bobby Robson phenomenal influence on footballer and their lives as he mentored is a proof that his enduring legacy as a manager and mentor, one whose influence continues to resonate in the beautiful game.
Catch you in the next one.
“He was really special, as a person as well towards you as a player. He could give you this advice and confidence.” Ruud van Nistelrooy