In a world where many of us idolize sports stars above all other professions, the impact of the charismatic coaches in the industry can be felt far beyond the confines of the pitch. This is particularly true of soccer in Europe, where the managers of the teams can become figureheads of the entire community. It’s not just their playing squads that look to them for guidance, but often millions of fans who are inspired by their words. So as we approach the climax of the football season around Europe, check out these quotes from ten iconic bosses that feature their philosophy on leadership, teamwork, ambition, discipline, and more — with wisdom that can be applied in any walk of life.
“All that matters is today. Yesterday is merely information and tomorrow we think about when it arrives. We speak so much about the ‘what ifs’. I have my own ‘what if’ — what if we just try to enjoy being in every moment.”
-Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager
“Nobody has enough talent to live on talent alone. Even when you have talent, a life without work goes nowhere.”
-Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal manager
“I strive to live with passion and not to be desensitized to life. Things matter to me. You’ve got to live like that. Otherwise what’s the point?”
– Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager
“As a manager you learn with your ears and not with your tongue.”
-Terry Venables, former England and Barcelona manager
“Aim for the sky and you’ll reach the ceiling. Aim for the ceiling and you’ll stay on the floor.”
-Bill Shankly, late former Liverpool manager
“The work of a team should always embrace a great player, but the great player must always work.”
-Sir Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United manager
“Teams don’t learn. Individuals within the team learn. Development is a personal process even when conducted in a team environment.”
-Johan Cruyff, late former Ajax and Barcelona manager
“I would rather play with 10 men than wait for a player who is late for the bus.”
-Jose Mourinho, Roma manager
“Throughout my entire career as a coach, I’ve never had a boss. Presidents have been able to hire and fire me, but that didn’t make them my bosses. I have such a strong sense of responsibility that I exercise my profession like an entrepreneur.”
-Jupp Heynckes, former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid manager
“A man with new ideas is a madman, until his ideas triumph.”
-Marcelo Biesla, former Leeds United and Argentina manager
