Zinedine Zidane
Legendary French football player, Zinedine
Zidane, is having a rough time as manager (coach) of the
accomplished Real Madrid F.C. squad in Spain. The team’s top
footballer is Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world‘s leading
goal scorers. Real Madrid has won La Liga in the past, but
they are struggling this season. Real Madrid recently lost
to rival Atletico Madrid. FC Barcelona have been dominating
with the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis
“The Teeth” Suarez (Ok, his nickname is not the teeth, but
Suarez is famous for using his LOL).
I would sometimes wonder why legendary
football players have difficulty coaching teams. Then,
there's the theory in reference to the topic that a
footballer who is a legend due to his exemplary skill,
becomes frustrated when athletes don't grasp the game and
what is being taught, on the same level and manner as the
top footballer turned manager.
By right, men like Pele and Bobby Charlton,
should be among the best managers in the world. However, it
has not happened. No one questions their skill, as they are
the best, but truthfully, who has replicated the
aforementioned athletes' abilities in younger players.
That's because other factors come into play. Some athletes
have better physical coordination (eye/foot as opposed to
hand/eye in other sports) and control than others. Some
athletes are naturally faster with better aim than others.
This is why practice is essential in a bid to correct any
deficiencies, in a bid to make your athletes the best they
can be.
Pele, who is often hailed as the best ever,
humorously stated in the Mirror newspaper of Manchester
United and current coach Louis Van Gaal, "I told him, you
know he is a very strong guy and they (Manchester United)
should have courage because I am never going to be coach. I
don't want to suffer." It's difficult being a manager,
because when the team does not win, you will be blamed.
It's easy to take negative newspaper
articles and chants at matches personally, when football
fans yell for the firing of their favorite team's manager.
However, that's when you have to redouble your efforts to
bring out the best in the squad and make any necessary
changes. Do not become overwhelmed, discouraged or
dispirited. Look at it this way, erase the points deficit by
digging your way out of that hole, one match at a time. Take
it one match at a time.
