This is from an article about Man Utd in The Athletic but it goes some way to explaining my feelings on the type of manager we need. We‘are clearly not a “super club” but the general description of the qualities such a manager needs can also be applied to us, albeit on a much lower scale. It’s why “successful” st Mirren and Falkirk managers don’t necessarily make good Aberdeen managers. Clubs of United’s size tend to be coached successfully by main characters. Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho. Mikel Arteta in the present day. They have a strength of personality and a muscularity in control that helps them define the environment in which they work. It does not stand that every alpha succeeds. Clearly that is not true, nor does it follow that someone different — such as Carlo Ancelotti — is unable to succeed, but historically the odds are not in their favour. That’s because big-club management under normal circumstances is not about releasing pressure, making players feel more comfortable, and being friendly with the media. More often, the task requires enrapturing charisma, ludicrous self-belief, and the ability to harness vast egos. Taken a step further, a coach in that situation is also a salesman of sorts, responsible for pitching the club to new players and for representing the path forward. Big club management is big tent preaching.
