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

• Former Barcelona manager Terry Venables has passed away at the age of 80
• Venables coached Barcelona from 1984 to 1987 winning the LaLiga title in 1985
• Inside Postecoglou’s Tottenham: IAKO looks at culture and philosophy changes

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

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

The images depicted him during his time in management with 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, printing a picture of him wearing a yellow, red and blue Barcelona training top while SPORT printed a black and white image of Venables smiling while stood in a football stadium. 

During his time at the Nou Camp, Venables ended Barcelona’s 11-year trophy drought, helping the side claim the league title during the 1984-85 season. 

Former Barcelona and England manager, Terry Venables, has passed away at the age of 80

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

Both papers lead with the caption ‘Adios, Mister’ with Mundo Deportivo printing a picture of him wearing a Barcelona training kit

Venables would subsequently 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 Bucurest on penalties. 

Gareth Southgate pays tribute to Terry Venables

Gareth Southgate says ‘outstanding and forward-thinking’ Terry Venables lived ‘life to the full’ as Three Lions boss pays tribute to late England manager after his death and credits him for thrilling Euro ’96 run 

After winning the Copa de la Liga in 1986, the Englishman would return back to the UK, going on to win the FA Cup in 1991 with Tottenham. 

Venables subsequently took charge of the England national side, notably guiding them to the semi-final of the 1996 European Championships, where they were beaten by Germany on penalties. 

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

Tributes have been pouring in for the late manager, from many throughout the sporting world. 

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

‘He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend.

‘He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry.’

The Englishman, who was appointed to his first managerial position with Crystal Palace in 1976, would go on to enjoy a fine career as a coach, also notably managing QPR and Leeds.

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

Venables went on to guide Barcelona to their first trophy in 11 years, clinching the 1985 LaLiga title, before he was appointed as England manager

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

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

Sporting world mourns loss of ‘vibrant, witty man who was a joy to play for’

Gary Neville 

An extremely sad day. One of my great regrets is he didn’t continue as England manager. He was a great character and was on to something — he would almost predict the outcome of games and change the system. I’ve got no doubt this was the most technically gifted, tactically aware coach England have produced.

Terry Venables will be remembered as an England fan. Nationally he will be remembered for bringing those great times at Euro 96. He was a joy to play for.

Ange Postecoglou 

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

Gareth Southgate

It was quickly evident playing for Terry Venables that he was an outstanding coach and manager. Tactically excellent, he had a wonderful manner, capable of handling 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 have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history. A brilliant man who made people feel special.

Jamie Redknapp

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

David Beckham 

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

Paul Gascoigne 

Such a sad day, cheers boss xxxx.

Gary Lineker 

Devastated. The best, most innovative coach I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for. He was vibrant, charming, witty and a friend. He’ll be hugely missed.

Alan Shearer 

Extremely sad news. RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing.

Stan Collymore 

Vivacious, funny, a super coach, a man who lived life to its fullest.

Cliff Jones 

Sad to hear of the passing of team-mate and friend Terry Venables. A man of many talents.

Frank Bruno 

I remember how he got the whole of England into believing we could win Euro 96. A sad, sad loss.

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

‘Any player will have great affinity with the manager that gave them their opportunity, but it was quickly evident playing for Terry Venables that he was an outstanding coach and manager,’ Southgate said in a statement.

‘Tactically excellent, he had a wonderful manner, capable of handling everyone from the youngest player to the brightest star.

‘He was open-minded, forward-thinking enjoyed life to the full and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to flourish and have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history.

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

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