From the grueling physical demands on players, to the mind-blowing financial burdens on owners, it’s hardly unknown that the pressures within the nation’s favourite support have skyrocketed in recent years.
But one that former Manchester City Manager Stuart Pearce believes is distinctly overlooked are the outrageous demands on Premier League managers. While they may not step foot on the pitch themselves, the result – and any criticism – falls firmly on their shoulders, regardless of reason or rationale for the loss.
Speaking exclusively to UCFB as part of the LMA Insight Series, Pearce claimed: “I think the demands on the modern day manager are just ridiculous now. They’re off any scale they used to be. When you consider you’ve got the media to deal with, you’ve got internal staff to deal with, you’ve got the players to deal with, and the number of players has grown drastically at football clubs.”
Despite their illustrious experience and impressive CV’s, managers – far more than players – are publically scrutinized and shamed by the press and media. Questions regarding unreached potential and untaken chances, perhaps peculiarly, tend to be directed at those who remain in the dugout.
Pearce, who’s also managed Nottingham Forest and Team GB at the 2012 Olympics, went on: “You’re permanently under scrutiny as a manager, you’re only one game away from complete disaster and the sack potentially. The demands of a modern day manager are quite incredible.”
With the average manager lasting a mere 18 months in England’s four professional leagues, Pearce isn’t alone in his skepticism of the system.
Former Swansea City Manager Garry Monk echoed the 59-year-old’s thoughts, telling UCFB: “It’s just such a precarious position. I’m pretty sure every manager would love to be in a job like the Sir Alex’s and Wengers – go in, talk about a project and then have the time to build it and make a success of it. No one wants to be going from job to job. But it’s the job, we just have to accept it.”
