T
The recent news from Jürgen Klopp that he will be departing Liverpool after this season has prompted me to reflect on the demanding roles of managers and head coaches.
A couple of months back, Emma Hayes announced that she would be departing from Chelsea, but not for a break. Instead, she will be taking on the role of managing the USA women’s national team at the end of the season. This new position will also come with significant pressure, although in a different form compared to managing a club team.
Klopp and Hayes share many similarities, particularly in their personalities. As coaches and leaders, it is crucial to utilize one’s own character to inspire and motivate others. From observing Klopp, it is evident that he harnesses his energy when interacting with his players, through his body language and language when discussing the club, city, and players. Hayes also demonstrates this same approach.
The display indicates the amount of effort required on a daily basis to drive not just yourself, but also others. As a coach, your goal is to create a chain reaction. However, I often wonder how much energy is left after giving it all during the workday.
You can only sustain high levels of energy, positivity, and vibrancy for a limited number of hours in a day before returning home. Your family also has needs and will desire and anticipate that same level of liveliness and engagement when you are with them at home.
Hayes has been at Chelsea since 2012 and that says a lot about her and what kind of a person she is, to have the character and ability to maintain that intensity season after season. It is hard being a coach, even when you are winning games and are at the top, because you have to keep reinventing your team and your club when the teams around you are seeking to improve.
In addition, there is the daily challenge of managing disappointments. This may not always be related to your own losses in matches, but as a coach, you must also bear the disappointments of your players. This can include not receiving a new contract or not being able to play. These are common disappointments that are often overlooked.
I am referring to the fact that while most people recognize that it occurs, it is not a common occurrence in most workplaces to constantly disappoint others. Managing the emotional repercussions of this is an unpleasant aspect of a manager’s responsibilities.
There has been a significant focus on the mental well-being of players, but less attention has been given to the mental health of coaches and managers and how they handle the stress of their roles. While there are resources available through organizations like the League Managers’ Association and within clubs, these may be more accessible to elite coaches rather than those lower down in the hierarchy.
The pressure is highest at the top, as we are embarking on a new era in the dynamic between supporters, coaches, and teams in women’s football, specifically the Women’s Super League. At Manchester United games, there have been signs reading “Skinner Out”, directed towards coach Marc Skinner, as the team has not been able to maintain their position at the top from last year.
Some may see this development in women’s football and think, “This is what it’s all about,” or “This is the football I know.”
Some will embrace the tribalism and animosity towards underperforming managers, while others will reject it as not in line with the spirit of women’s football and not something they want to see more of in the sport.
Display the image in full-screen mode.
Possibly, this is because they desire the women’s game to have a more modest atmosphere. In the WSL, interactions between fans of opposing teams are typically friendly and characterized by a respectful competition. This allows for banter and competition on the field and in the stands without it becoming unpleasant or threatening.
The banners that say “Skinner Out” are unjust because United has exceeded expectations, climbing their way to the WSL and making it to a cup final. They gave Chelsea a tough competition in the title race last year and secured a spot in this year’s Champions League.
What else do the fans desire? Every team will experience setbacks at some point in this highly competitive league. As a fan, you may not always approve of the manager, but there are alternative ways to convey your discontent.
When discussing mental health, whose well-being are we referring to? While everyone acknowledges its significance, those who deliberately attend a game and display a sign advocating for someone’s dismissal are not considering the potential consequences for the person they are directing their actions towards.
Skinner is an individual who has his own family and attends games, which can be challenging for him. There must be a more effective solution.
Get in touch
If you have any inquiries or feedback regarding our newsletters, please send an email to [email protected]. Just a friendly reminder that Moving the Goalposts is now published twice a week, with newsletters coming out every Tuesday and Thursday.
This is a snippet from our complimentary weekly email, Moving the Goalposts. To receive the complete version, please go to this page and follow the provided instructions.
Source: theguardian.com
