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Roy Hodgson: A foreign view

England's new manager Roy Hodgson is known for his work abroad, but what do journalists in Sweden and Italy think of the West Brom boss?

Much has been made of Hodgson’s well-travelled career, and it would be unfair to base this solely on his experiences at Hamstad, Malmo, Internazionale and Udinese.

But, aside from a three-year spell as Switzerland boss where he famously took them to consecutive international tournaments, Hodgson’s offshore career has largely been spent in Sweden and Italy – with contrasting fortunes...

Luca Stacul (Eurosport Italy)

"Roy Hodgson is not appreciated that much for his work at Inter. He was quite poor during his time in Milan, loosing a UEFA Cup final against Schalke 04 in 1997 at the San Siro. That match saw a controversial moment when Javier Zanetti reacted furiously to being substituted, although Hodgson calmed him down.

"Inter fans also disagreed with his decision to sell Roberto Carlos to Real Madrid as, while they got a lot of money for the Brazilian, Hodgson used youngster Alessandro Pistone as his replacement, which was a total failure.

"In our view Hodgson wasn’t a brilliant tactician: his main idea was to rebuild the Inter team but he didn’t succeed in that. Youri Djorkaeff, Ivan Zamorano, Jocelyn Angolma, Arun Winter and Nwankwo Kanu all came in, although he wasn’t able to use Kanu because of his heart problems."

Daniel Sjoberg (Eurosport Sweden)

"Roy Hodgson is well-liked here in Sweden. He stills speaks the language and we have had a sort of relationship with him since he won the Swedish league with Halmstad in 1976, a team tipped for relegation.

"In fact, recently, he was the guest on a weekly show on one of the biggest networks here in Sweden, TV4.

"We are a bit worried here that he knows Swedish football a little too well as we have to play them at the Euros! He will not be surprised by anything we do and he will not underestimate the yellow and blue.

"In fact, we Swedes would probably prefer Harry Redknapp on the England bench."

Roy Hodgson’s career abroad:

Sweden (Halmstad, Orebro, Malmo): In 11 years won Allsvenskan title seven times, including four overall titles due to play-off system. Also won Swedish Cup twice.

Switzerland (Neuchatel Xamax, Swiss national team, Grasshoppers): Just over six years in total. No domestic titles but in three-and-a-half years as national team boss took Swiss to the 1994 World Cup - where they lost to Spain in second round - and Euro 96, although quit just before Finals in England.

Italy (Internazionale, Udinese): In just over two years, took Inter to UEFA Cup final where they lost to Schalke, finishing third in Serie A the following season. Despite improving Inter’s fortunes - they finished 13th and sixth the seasons before he arrived - the fans wanted more and he was sacked. Had brief spell at Udinese, who were relegation strugglers at time, fired after criticizing club hierarchy in interview.

Denmark (FC Copenhagen): In just one season won Danish Superliga title, with club having been in mid-table in previous two seasons. Left for ill-fated spell at Udinese.

UAE (national team): Two years. His least successful spell as manager but credited with making tiny Gulf nation more competitive.

Norway (Viking): In just under 18 months Hodgson led club to ninth and fifth-place finishes. Left to manage Finland national team.

Finland (national team): In just under two years almost led Finns to Euro 2008, winning six of his qualification matches. However they fell just short, and he left to return to Inter as technical director.

Total: Eight domestic league titles, two Cup titles and beaten finalist in UEFA Cup twice, including with Fulham. Also took Swiss to two major international tournaments.