Over recent weeks I have found myself intrigued with the world of management and most importantly football management. The beginning of this interest came with the changing of the order at the top of the Premier league. Never in the Premier league era have we seen three of the top four clubs all changing manager. These changes are through differing reasons, with Sir Alex Ferguson deciding to retire whilst Rafa Benitez and Roberto Mancini were relieved of their duties.
The modern world craves instant success but not only that but also on going dominance in their market. This is never more relevant than in the harsh world of sport and in particular football, a sport now dominated by rich tycoons from all four corners of the world. These men have been very successful in business and now demand the same results in their latest interest. In truth there is only a few of these tycoons who invest and seek no monetary return from their clubs. It is no coincidence that the length of managerial reigns have shorten with their arrival but we must also remember this period of time has also seen the sudden massive revenues generated by television and marketing which also has had a impact.
If we look at each of the new mangers and specific problems they will inherit or face at their new club we will find they all face very differing tasks.
Looking first at David Moyes taking over the mantle at Manchester United he surely faces the most daunting task. Taking over from a manager who served twenty six years and won thirty eight trophies is certainly a test.
Taking over a squad that have just won the league in some ways will be a dream, you know you already have squad with the quality to go the distance. You are left with the task of adding fresh faces and competition to spur the team on again this season. But along with this positive comes a negative of pressure from the large fan base. With success comes the luxury of time and patience from the supporters and players should results not be achieved. Sadly David Moyes will not have this, should he be delivered a tough opening fixture list and results not be achieved then he will certainly find himself questioned. Sadly he has a good track record but that record does not contain any trophies to help boost his standing amongst his doubters.
Mental strength will be vital for David especially in his first season as he attempts to introduce new methods and ideas to a well established team. In truth these new ideas may well vitalise older members but like everything their feelings will be effected by results. One major negative I foresee should results started badly then the players will suddenly feel that under a new manager he will suffer first and most from the supporters and media. In seasons gone past when they have not reached a acceptable standard the finger was always pointed firmly at the players only because of Alex Fergusons track record and successes. In truth David needs positive early results and to gain the players trust during pre season. Once he has gained their trust and he can start to evolve the club/team, but word of caution that mangers who have tried to force through evolution to quickly have found themselves fighting the playing staff.
Across Manchester their neighbours City are bringing in Manuel Pellegrini. A man who has proven if not overly successful track record in Spain. He achieved results in Spain with teams on far smaller operating budgets than that at the Etihad. After taking over Villarreal in 2004 he regularly achieved success in the Spanish league and reaching the knock out stages of the champions league. It is this record in Europe that has attracted Manchester City to him.
Some have questioned his abilities after a short period in charge of Real Madrid. During this time he still managed a then record ninety six points but finishing second to Barcelona resulted in him being fired and replaced by Jose Mourinho. During his time at Real Pellegrini stated he felt he lacked control at the club, the president purchased players and he was left to use them. He stated sometimes the best players do not make the best team and that is very true. A successful team requires a number of individual attributes to come together to achieve the target. There is a question over how much control he will have in Manchester, with a managerial organisation already in place he could well find himself as more of a coach once more. His record in Spain will surely earn him respect from his squad and this is key for anyone in charge of temperamental group of individuals.
Few can doubt he will be given the tools to perform with next season his main task is organising the team and creating a hungry energised team. Last season I felt the team lacked hunger and energy after winning the league in the previous season. This is a severe test of man management skills, achieving the goal is a success to be able to pick the team up again and creating the enthusiasm to go out and retain it is something very different. True great managers not only create a team that wins once but recreate and achieve on going success, sadly Roberto Mancini could not but fingers crossed for Mr Pellegrini.
That last of our managerial changes sees the return of the special one to Chelsea. He has arrived back in England maybe slightly less loudly than in his first coming. The questions over his return are mainly surrounding the old motto of never return to a place where you once achieved success. The main difference for Jose is he is returning to one of the wealthiest clubs in the world. So he is safe in the knowledge he can compete for any of the worlds top talents. So as long as he backs in own abilities to be able to create a successful organised team he will feel confident and relaxed.
If you watched Jose with all of his teams he obviously places a lot of onus on team spirit and building strong relationships with key members of his team. This bond he then uses to motivate the key members and then install responsibility on them to then motivate and organise other members. The only negative for him is that even with his outstanding record he has yet to be able to build and then rebuild a successful team. His usual form is to achieve success then when he feels the team may well be in decline or those strong relationships he has with certain players are breaking down he walks away to a fresh challenge. Luckily with success he is safe in the knowledge there will always be another team looking for his services. Chelsea have the talent and in my mind are the favourites to win the title this season, with good organisation and improved team spirit I believe they will take advantage of their competitors reorganisations.
Few can doubt the impact these managers will have on their team but in truth the most important factor they will all have to achieve is to organise, motivate and inspire their players. And who ever does this best will more than likely achieve the ultimate goal.
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