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Pitch perfect – UEFA Direct 167 out now

The history and development of football pitches, UEFA's recent Congress in Helsinki and an interview with Italian coach Fabio Capello are among the highlights in the latest edition of UEFA's official magazine.

Jonathan Calderwood tending to the pitch at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Jonathan Calderwood tending to the pitch at the Parc des Princes in Paris. ©Getty Images

Modern football pitches are as smooth as billiard tables and perfect for a fast-flowing spectacle. But what is the science behind them? The latest edition of UEFA Direct has the details…

In a fascinating interview, award-winning grounds manager Jonathan Calderwood, who is responsible for the pitch at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes stadium, explains how times have changed, and what really goes into making the perfect playing surface.

The recent UEFA Congress in Helsinki heralded a bold new era for UEFA, with President Aleksander Čeferin setting out the organisation’s blueprint for the future. UEFA Direct provides comprehensive coverage of an important day in the Finnish capital.

Fabio Capello enjoyed a distinguished career as a player, and went on to have considerable success as a coach. In the coaching supplement The Technician, the Italian gives a revealing insight into his career and the philosophies that have brought him a wealth of honours.

The campaign to make women’s football the number-one participation sport in Europe is in full swing, and we hear about UEFA’s far-reaching work with national associations across the continent to make this happen.

Elsewhere in UEFA Direct 167

• Stockholm gears up for the UEFA Europa League final
• The impact of the UEFA EURO 2016 legacy project in Saint-Etienne
• UEFA’s drive to increase participation in football in eastern Europe

UEFA Direct 167 is available in EnglishFrench and German