Joining A New Club As A Manager

The football season's end also brings change, both on and off the pitch.

While players often leave and others arrive at a club during the close season, managers and coaches can experience similar situations.

Fitting into a new club or team can be a challenge for some, and the challenge is even greater for new managers or head coaches leading the club into a new campaign.

Suppose they are arriving at a club after a positive season, replacing a manager liked by the fans and the players. In that case, there will be a level of expectation that the new person at the helm will build on the foundations already in place. 

On the flip side, if the club has just experienced a bad time, then the new manager will be expected to turn things around and bring success.

Either way, the job is not easy, so how they start life at their new home is crucial.

Whatever level you manage, it's essential to consider how you will approach your new roles and what qualities you will bring to the club. 

"When you come into a new job, it's important to be yourself. Trust in your own abilities and philosophy, and be authentic in your approach. That's how you build trust and credibility with the players and staff."

Brendan Rodgers, Manager, Celtic FC. 

Remember, you have been hired for your skills, capabilities, and experiences, which are different from those of anyone before you.

The key is to be authentic to yourself, trust in your beliefs and philosophies, and let your unique style shine through in your coaching.

In addition, we've come up with five top tips for you to consider when starting your new job as a manager or head coach.

1: Understand the Club's Culture

Take the time to understand the club's culture, traditions, and history. Knowing what the club means to its fans and stakeholders can provide valuable insights into the expectations and values you must uphold as a manager. This knowledge can then help you shape the philosophy of the club and the team going forward. 

As Sir Alex Ferguson said: "When I arrived at Manchester United, I made it my mission to understand the club's culture and history. I knew that respecting the traditions of the club was key to earning the trust and support of the players and fans."

2: Build Strong Relationships

According to Pep Guardiola, relationships are everything in football. He believes that you can only achieve success with the trust and commitment of your players and staff, and building strong relationships is the foundation for a successful team.

So, prioritise building strong relationships with players, staff, and supporters from the outset. Communication and trust are essential in fostering a positive and cohesive team environment.

3: Assess and Adapt

Assess the team's current strengths, weaknesses, and playing style. Consider adapting your tactics and coaching methods accordingly. Think about the players you have at your disposal and which players you might be able to bring in to add to the squad to maximise the team's potential. Address areas that require improvement.

4: Set Clear Objectives

Another key component is establishing clear short-term and long-term objectives for the team in collaboration with club directors and stakeholders. Former Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger suggests setting clear objectives to provide clarity and direction for everyone involved. As a manager, it's essential to articulate your vision and goals to the players and staff so that everyone is working towards the same purpose.

5: Be Flexible and Open-Minded

You should remain flexible and open-minded in your approach to coaching. Recognise that different players may require different methods of motivation and instruction. Stay receptive to feedback and be willing to adjust your strategies as necessary to achieve success on the field. Being open-minded allows you to embrace new ideas and innovations, ultimately making you a better coach and your team more successful.

If you'd like to learn more about developing your identity as a coach, communication and culture, check out some of our CPD courses for coaches on the MiMentor Platform via the link below...