It’s seen by many as the dream job. Travelling all over Europe and getting paid to do it – and just for good measure watch a bit of football as well ( it’s a tough life one might think ) – but the job of a football manager isn’t a bed of roses.
Once upon a time a football manager had some form of longevity. The days of Sir Alex and Dario Gradi are unheard of now – football is changing and so are the expectations of the chairmen who employ managers. These respective managers ( Feguson and Gradi) lasted more than 13 years in their jobs respectively – and in Sir Alex’s case he was at United for more than 20 years – but this happening again is very unlikely.
Whether it be top or the bottom, the pressure managers are under is increasing and the longevity they are enjoying is decreasing. This fact has been prevalent at many clubs such as Chelsea who after Mourinho’s first spell in charge were changing managers more than would change their … shoes.
Many world class mangers came and went at Chelsea, World Cup winning manager Luis Felipe Scolari soon left once arriving in England and Andre Villas Boas ‘the new special one’ was also shown the door very quickly.
Chelsea’s rivals Manchester City have also been guilty of such a practice. As soon as the new Arab owners came then manager Mark Hughes left just quick as it arrived it seemed ( the takeover) – but unforgivably some may argue championship winning manager Roberto Mancini wasn’t backed in the transfer market – and ultimately paid the price ( his job) .
The Blues opted to appoint Manuel Pelegrini and the Chilean enjoyed a good debut season by winning two trophies – but like Mancini the 63 year old who is known as the engineer struggled this season as his City side lost their premier league crown with some three games to go.
Such failure has lead the City hierarchy to reach a tentative agreement to bring in former Barcelona manager to manage them next season, beIN SPORTS have reported. Guardiola who oversaw one of the most successful Barca eras in their history is seen as the ideal man to help City’s failings in Europe.
The Catalan who has won the Champions League twice with his beloved Barca, is seen as the ideal choice as the Catalan has a great relationship with Ferran Sorriano and Txiki Begiristain, due to their time together at Camp Nou. Not to forget to mention a proven track record of success in Europe which something Pelgrini and Mancini don’t have unfortunately’
One thing is for certain if Pep is appointed one thing that is urgently needed is a massive overhaul.