Football Management - my A La Carte menu

I don’t really have a football philosophy.

My approach to football is just an extension of the basic human values I hold dear from which I tailor the football detail to the scenario. From my son’s under 9’s team (basic technical development, having fun and developing their love of the game) to previous roles with U19 or U21 Development Squads (expanding players’ tactical appreciation and teaching them how to deal with competitive football where results really matter) to 1^st team football (developing a team dynamic that results in winning football matches) – the requirements change and so too do the key footballing themes.

However, it dawned on me that I can express what I guess you could say are my ideals – my footballing utopia - by combining the best bits of a few managers. A patchwork quilt and football’s equivalent of Weird Science (if you’re old enough to remember that film...or Kelly Le Brock in it in particular!)

So here goes

Diego Simeone’s intensity – his Atletico Madrid team's work rate, hunger and organisation set the bench mark for intensity. As a result, he delivers more in terms of value than any other manager today IMO. 

Bobby Robson’s soul – by that I mean the way this lovely man adored the game and connected with it. His quote about a a little boy's first visit to a game is just brilliant, capturing what I think every manager needs to acknowledge and embrace about their club.

Jurgen Klopp’s positivity – every game this guy finds a reason to smile, to inspire his players and to set the tone in the right way. 

Eddie Howe’s intelligence – not just from a tactical perspective, but also as an ambassador for the game. He is clearly no less passionate than any other coach but he carries himself with control regardless of the circumstances and articulates himself impeccably.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s balance – his best teams could do it all. Clean sheets and attractive football, lots of goals and most importantly...trophies.

Graham Taylor’s decency – he may not have always covered himself in glory results wise but anyone who has read up on the man after his death will know despite incredible pressure, he retained an air of decency and kindness at all times.

Jose Mourinho’s adaptability – at Porto, Chelsea (1^st time anyway), Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United, The Special One has inherited clubs with many different challenges. His success after adapting to those challenges is unrivalled. Yes money has been available but what he achieved with Porto was without significant money and shows how good a coach he is.

Brian Clough’s personality – players need a character in whom they can believe, one who can retain their attention, who keeps them on their toes at all  times and who instils incredible loyalty in his group. Old big head really was a one off but any manager could do with a drop of his charisma.

Brendan Rodgers’ leadership culture – the man understands the value of creating and then nurturing organisational culture. If you don’t like it get off the bus.

Zinedine Zidane’s organisation – unlike his characteristics as a player, his pragmatism as a coach is incredibly effective. He knows how to set a team up in order to be hard to beat and instils impressive tactical and psychological discipline.

Pep Guardiola’s domination of the ball – his obsession with possession is famous but the way he develops his players and teams in possession is something to behold.

One thing runs true through the heart of these men - a love for the game that goes way past obsession.