Description
Book SynopsisRivalry is everywhere in football, from battles on the pitch to boardroom politics, regional and national quarrels and fights for silverware. These conflicts spark countless debates over which are the 'biggest' and 'best' fixtures in the global game, but those involving teams from the same city are especially intense, both on and off the pitch. Divided Cities is a game by game account of the good, bad, indifferent but always eventful experiences of journeying to 11 of the world's most prominent same-city derbies. Along the way, Kevin Pogorzelski explores some of the most wonderful cities on Earth, delving into the rich histories of clubs and meeting the people who live and breathe the local football culture. Pogorzelski does not try to glorify the violence or animosity between ultra groups but stumbles into some tricky situations. Have you ever thought about embarking on your own football pilgrimage? Then this book is for you.
Trade Review"Pogorzelski succeeds where many others have failed - in painting a colourful picture of the Rome Derby that acknowledges its layers of complexity rather than falling into the trap of believing it's all about violence or extreme politics. His account of the matchday experience - from both sides - coupled with thorough research of the sporting and historic elements that really fuel the rivalry make for an absorbing and nuanced study of a game that is often misunderstood."
-- Alasdair MacKenzie, Rome-based Sports Journalist working with FourFourTwo, Reuters, iPaper
"A superb first chapter, which makes me want to get back to Italy as soon as possible and sample more grounds. I couldn’t put it down!"
-- Tom Underhill, author of The Working Hands of a Goddess
"The chapter on Betis versus Sevilla is great! They describe everything perfectly and are the first person to explain about the ultras. Particularly the point at which some took a fascist outlook, but differ from other groups that broke away."
-- Enrique Roldan, Professor at the University of Seville and founder of Betis Bohemio
"Kevin Pogorzelski in Divided Cities focuses on eleven single city derbies, with all but two (the Old Firm and Merseyside version) from outside the United Kingdom. As a Liverpool fan, with a regular diet of Premier League football and virtually the same old teams season in, season out, Pogorzelski yearned for something more... For many this book will be the nearest they get to enjoying these encounters, [and] Divided Cities portrays to readers the intensity of the matchday experience and what it is to attend."
* Football Book Reviews *
