‘Adios, mister’: Spanish papers pay tribute to former Barcelona boss Terry Venables as Spain mourns the loss of legendary manager, who became known as ‘El Tel’ after leading the Catalan side to the LaLiga title in 1985

By James On Nov 27, 2023

Spanish newspapers have paid their respects to former Barcelona and England manager Terry Venables, who died on Saturday aged 80.

Mundo Deportivo and SPORT printed large photos of Venables on their back pages for their Monday editions, with both captioning the photos: ‘Adios, sir’.

The images depicted him during his managerial time at Barcelona, with Venables joining Barcelona in 1984, before leaving the Spanish giants to manage Tottenham in 1987.

Mundo Deportivo paid tribute to the late manager by printing a photo of him wearing a yellow, red and blue Barcelona training top, while SPORT printed a black and white image of Venables smiling as he stood in a football stadium.

During his time at Camp Nou, Venables ended Barcelona’s eleven-year trophy drought and helped the side claim the league title during the 1984–85 season.

Former Barcelona and England manager Terry Venables has died aged 80

Spanish newspapers SPORT and Mundo Deportivo have both paid tribute to the former Barcelona manager on their back pages

Both newspapers start with the caption ‘Adios, Mister’, with Mundo Deportivo printing a photo of him wearing a Barcelona training kit

Venables would go on to guide Barcelona to the Copa de la Liga title in the 1985–86 season, a campaign that also saw his side reach the 1986 European Cup final.

Unfortunately, Venables missed out on becoming the first Barca coach to win the trophy, with his side losing to Steaua Bucharest on penalties.

After winning the Copa de la Liga in 1986, the Englishman returned to Great Britain, where he won the FA Cup with Tottenham in 1991.

Venables then took charge of the England national team, most notably guiding them to the semi-final of the 1996 European Championships, where they were defeated by Germany on penalties.

The legendary manager also had an excellent playing career, enjoying spells at Chelsea, Tottenham QPR and Crystal Palace, while also earning two England caps.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late manager from across the sporting world.

Gary Lineker, who signed Venables for Barcelona in 1986 and then brought him to Tottenham in 1989, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ”Devastated to hear of Terry Venables’ passing. The best, most innovative coach I had the privilege and pleasure to play for.

‘But he was much more than just a great manager: he was lively, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend.

‘He will be greatly missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry.”

Appointed to his first managerial role at Crystal Palace in 1976, the Englishman would go on to have a distinguished career as a coach, most notably managing QPR and Leeds.

Venables (right), pictured here with assistant Allan Harris (left) and new signing Steve Archibald (centre) at Camp Nou, joined Barcelona in 1984

Venables went on to guide Barcelona to their first trophy in 11 years, winning the LaLiga title in 1985, before being appointed England manager.

He would also enjoy managerial spells at Crystal Palace, QPR and Tottenham

Many from the football world have paid tribute to Venables, including Paul Gascoigne and Gareth Southgate

Sports world mourns loss of ‘lively, witty man who was a pleasure to play for’

Gary Neville

An extremely sad day. One of my biggest regrets is that he didn’t continue as England manager. He had a great character and was on to something: he almost predicted the outcome of games and changed the system. I have no doubt that this was the most technically gifted and tactically aware coach England has produced.

Terry Venables will be remembered as an England fan. He will be remembered nationally for bringing those great times to Euro 96. He was a pleasure to play for.

Ange Postecoglou

If you ask for anyone who embodies everything this football club (Tottenham) always wanted to be, it’s Terry. It wasn’t just about the way he led or coached, but also about the person he was. He also influenced Australia as manager of the national team; he almost took us to the World Cup (1998). The biggest proof is that everyone I have ever met who has worked with him will say he is by far the best coach, manager and tactician they have ever come across.

Gareth Southgate

Playing for Terry Venables it quickly became clear that he was an excellent coach and manager. Tactically excellent, he had a great manner and could deal with everyone from the youngest player to the biggest star. He was open-minded, forward-thinking and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to experience one of the most memorable tournaments in England’s history. A brilliant man who made people feel special.

Jamie Redknapp

Working with you every day was an educational experience. Euro 96 was one of the best times of my life, thank you for believing in me and giving me my England debut. I owe you so much.

David Beckham

I met Terry at Barcelona and while training at Tottenham at the age of 9. He was one of our greatest English managers and loved by players and fans.

Paul Gascoigne

What a sad day, cheers boss xxxx.

Gary Lineker

Destroyed. The best, most innovative coach for whom I had the privilege and pleasure to play. He was lively, charming, witty and a friend. He will be greatly missed.

Alan Scheerder

Extremely sad news. RIP boss. I owe you so much. You were great.

Stan Collymore

Lively, funny, a super coach, a man who lived life to the fullest.

Cliff Jones

Sad to hear of the passing of teammate and friend Terry Venables. A man with many talents.

Frank Bruno

I remember how he made all of England believe we could win Euro 96. A sad, sad loss.

Gareth Southgate, who was part of Venables’ 1996 European Championship squad, also paid tribute to his former manager.

“Any player will have a great affinity with the manager who gave him the opportunity, but when he played for Terry Venables it quickly became clear that he was an excellent coach and manager,” says Southgate. said in a statement.

‘Tactically excellent, he had a great manner and could deal with everyone from the youngest player to the brightest star.

‘He was open-minded, forward-thinking and enjoyed life to the fullest and created a brilliant environment with England in which his players could flourish and experience one of the most memorable tournaments in England’s history.

‘A brilliant man who made people feel special. I am very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all his family.”