The managerial landscape in European football is currently experiencing unique challenges, with some of the biggest clubs in the world searching for new managers simultaneously. It is evident that the days of clubs being dominated solely by the relationship between the chairman and manager are long gone. Instead, there is an increasing emphasis on the role of sporting directors, who are charged with running the football side of the operation.
Steven Houston, head of strategic and sporting operations advisory at the Sportsology Group, emphasized the shift from generalists to specialists within football clubs. As clubs establish brain trusts with various areas of expertise and responsibility, including sporting directors, technical directors, and heads of analytics and performance, identifying the right head coach has become a complex task.
The current challenges in the managerial market can be attributed to the need for head coaches who are not only capable of driving the team and delivering results but also willing to work within the structure established by the club’s owner and sporting director. This includes factors such as the desired style of play, development of young players, and communication skills.
Clubs must have a clear set of non-negotiables for potential coaches to ensure alignment with the club’s vision. This approach allows clubs to quickly narrow down the field of candidates while being prepared with multiple backup options in case their first choice is unavailable.
Recent success is becoming a critical factor for clubs seeking new managerial appointments. Coaches who have achieved significant milestones in the past are now overshadowed by emerging talents who have enjoyed recent success with their respective clubs. This shift in focus highlights the importance of not only winning trophies but also adapting to the evolving structures within football clubs.
Coaches like Arne Slot, Thiago Motta, and Ruben Amorim, among others, are emerging as top targets due to their recent achievements and willingness to work within the club’s defined structure. As tenure lengths for coaches decrease, clubs are advised to have succession plans in place, similar to their approach with scouting departments for player recruitment.
While the current managerial market is undoubtedly competitive, clubs are also becoming more selective in their hiring processes. It is no longer sufficient for coaches to rely solely on their past accomplishments. Instead, they must showcase a willingness to collaborate with sporting directors and fit into the club’s overall vision and structure.
The meticulous approach taken by clubs in evaluating potential candidates has led to longer decision-making processes and the development of shortlists rather than single-target approaches. As the competition for managerial positions intensifies, clubs are compelled to prioritize compatibility with their established frameworks over traditional measures of success.
The challenges presented by the current managerial market in European football reflect a broader shift towards specialized roles and structured operations within football clubs. As clubs navigate the complexities of finding the right fit for their managerial positions, success is no longer solely measured by trophies but also by the ability to adapt and collaborate within modern football structures.
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