From the publisher:
We kick off issue 4 by catching up with two imposing figures of the European game: in-demand Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Rangers manager Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool legend talks frankly with Graham Hunter about his transition into coaching, while the Senegalese international opens up on life in Naples, the art of defending in Italy and growing up in France. We’ve also got interviews with Jürgen Klinsmann, Jérôme Boateng, Paulo Dybala and Thomas Tuchel, and celebrate Paris Saint-Germain’s 50th birthday with a look back at a season that defined France’s powerhouse club.
As well as great writing, we showcase eye-catching photography from the Getty Images archive, filling the void left by the postponement of this season’s showpiece with classic fan images that capture the hope and, for some, glory that comes with attending a final. We’ve also got more artwork than ever, from our first illustrated covers by Louise Cobbold and Dan Evans, to Osvaldo Casanova’s take on Dejan Savićević’s brilliant goal in the 1994 final and Raj Dhunna’s recreation of the coin toss that decided a 1965 European Cup tie between Liverpool and FC Köln.
That’s all given us a lift during a difficult time, but of course the pandemic has overshadowed everything we’ve been doing. As such, Simon Hart reflects on a period when for once, and rightly, football has taken a back seat. A pause for thought before it all starts up again in August.
The author:
Champions Journal is a quarterly print magazine and website driven by great writing, eye-catching design, engaging interviews and bold photography – and a love of European football.
Our aim is to offer a fresh perspective on club football’s greatest competition. As well as talking to the stars, we aim to take a wider look at the world beyond the 90 minutes – with features exploring the cities, the culture, the fans, the fashion and the music surrounding the game.
Champions Journal is published by creative agency TwelfthMan, based in Shoreditch, London. We’ve also been producing the official UEFA Champions League final programmes since 2016 and have never had enough room in them to include all the content ideas we’ve had. Hence the new magazine.
Note from Stanchion:
While stocks last, all orders of Champions Journal will include a free Osvaldo Casanova print, each depicting a special goal from the Champions League.
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