The Making of the Greatest Team in the World- Barça

Graham Hunter's book, The Making of the Greatest Team in the World, gives a unique insight into the rise and rise of Barcelona FC .

Detailing the journey from Cruyff's dream team of the early 1990's to the Pep Guardiola side of Messi, Xavi and co, Hunter in this book is able to provide an understanding of the recent history of Barcelona FC which can not be matched, with the use of his extensive connections which he has built in the last 10 years while he has been living in Barcelona,


The book does not follow a chronological pattern, rather the author divides the book into key themes which, combined, have made Barcelona the dominate force in European football in recent years.

Although themes are spilt into their own chapters, and this can be confusing at first, the book constantly links these ideas together to make the book engaging for the reader. At the end of each of these sections, there are short but compelling biographies and match reports in reference to the important personal and landmarks crucial in Barcelona's ascent to the top of the footballing pyramid.

Hunter (below) thoroughly explains the background information needed to appreciate both this book and its subject, concisely with the help of a glossary and a timeline.

Explanations about the progress of La Masia, Barcelona's youth academy, is given with rare and comprehensive portraits into its recent stars from Messi and Iniesta to Pique and Xavi. Hunter also does not strictly stick to the pitch, rather, there are touching personal stories about the lives of some of the greatest players of the modern age.

Similarly detailed accounts of other aspects key to the identity of the club are given in the book. Referred to throughout the book is the sense of Barcelona being a great club that has to do things the right way or in other terms "Mes Que Un Club", the club's motto which translates to "More than a Club"

Fundamental to this philosophy is who the club chose to be their manager. Hunter details the procedure which is undertaken when Barcelona hire a coach, from its criteria to the actual pursuit.

Essentially to the book is the political aspect of the club. From its elected president to its fierce rivalry with Real Madrid, Hunter captures the sentiment of this great club and portrays its standing on the global stage. He also scratches deep under the surface into the daily running of the club, giving the reader a fantastic insight into one of the biggest clubs in the world.  

However the main player in this book is Pep Guardiola (below). With several interviews and meetings with the man himself, Hunter is able to accurately portray the true Pep, what makes him tick, what makes him angry and why his work ethnic and tactical brilliance helped the club to a period of unrivalled success in its history.



The current edition  of the book ends when Guardiola leaves the Camp Nou after three seasons at the helm, stating that it has been "one hell of a ride". Whether there are more editions detailing the success or failure of Barcelona, The Making of the Greatest Team in the World is a modern classic and makes in a must for all football fans.

Hinman rating 91/100
       
Author- Graham Hunter

Publisher- BackPage Press

ISBN- 978095647154

Price- Cheap, no more than £10.00

Availability- Wide (most bookshops and websites)