I’m not going to talk about names in this, but maybe you can mention a number of names in the comments that might fit this. But for me, if I’m building the perfect Chelsea manager, this is what I would look for below.
Too much to ask? Does such a person even exist? And does it even matter, because the club is only going for another yes-man who probably won’t ask many questions?
Mentality
THE most important thing for me. They have to get the club. They have to be a leader on the sidelines and in the locker room. They need to be the type of person who is respected by the players and can be part of the team, but at the same time can set boundaries and expectations. He needs some empathy, but not to the point where he wants to hug all the players all the time. Tough love is a good thing. Don’t necessarily throw players under the bus, but do offer constructive criticism. Fans like to hear what’s going on and the players have to deal with that too. Also take responsibility if the bill falls on your own doorstep. While he must build relationships with all players, he must be no-nonsense and keep all egos at bay. Show passion on the sidelines, show you care, and speak from your heart at press time.
Playing style
Flexibility and adaptability are paramount for me. I like a team that plays fast football and goes up through the gears. I like a manager who encourages the freedom of his best and most creative players. I like a manager to have a good balance between attack and defense and use a strong backbone. Personally, I like a pragmatic approach. I like attacking football in general, but when we have to defend I would like to see us position ourselves in a counter-attacking way with the amount of pace we have in the team. Use players in their best positions and play them on merit. Line-up depending on the opponents we face and the team we have available.
Relationships with owners
Respect them, but also say so. Use your voice. Don’t upset the apple cart, but make sure you speak your mind, don’t be a yes man. And this part is more on the plate than on the manager, because they have to learn to accept this. Some of the best managers need and want more input. If we want the best, you have to respect that.
Fan Interactions
The second most important thing. You need fans by your side from day one. If you lose them prematurely, it is very difficult to get them back. Yes, it’s results-oriented, but if some fans don’t like you or the way you play, then they’re gone and that’s that. You need support from fans, both in the stadium and outside. It’s so important. So treat fans with respect and don’t start hitting back when they criticize; accept that this is all just part of it. Understand them, speak to them at their level and make sure you know the history of the club and the expectations it brings. Talk realistically, but at the same time make sure you tell them you are here to win, here to put Chelsea back where they belong.
So, does this manager exist or is there someone around? Reply on a postcard (in the comments) please?
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