In the world of football today, players are given a platform and status unlike ever before, and this has led to some significant challenges for managers.
Erik ten Hag, former manager of Manchester United, recently spoke out about how modern players struggle to accept criticism, and I couldn’t agree more.
This issue has become a widespread problem in today’s game, with multiple factors at play.
The influence of money, the rise of wokeism, media exposure, and the increasing value of players as assets to their clubs have all made managing these individuals incredibly difficult.
Criticism and the Modern Player’s Response
Back in my playing days, if I showed even the slightest sign of disagreement with a coach, I’d face a backlash.
As a senior player and captain at Liverpool, it would have been unheard of to challenge authority like players do today.
Even if I pulled a face in response to a coach’s comments, I would have been met with harsh words, such as, “Who do you think you are?” or “What have you done to deserve an opinion?” Nowadays, however, players seem to think they have the right to challenge authority, especially in today’s media climate, where their every move is scrutinized, and they’re elevated before proving themselves.
The Importance of Mentorship and Leadership in Football
I was fortunate to have managers and teammates who guided me early in my career.
Jack Charlton, my manager at Middlesbrough, was particularly direct with me.
He told me I had talent but was at risk of squandering it unless I made a commitment to hard work. This moment of honesty shaped my career.
Then, I joined Liverpool, where the environment and the standards were incredibly high.
The culture in the Liverpool dressing room was invaluable—it was a real eye-opener for a young player like me.
Looking at current players at Manchester United, like Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, or Marcus Rashford, I can’t help but wonder: Who is guiding them? We saw an example recently when Garnacho sulked off after being substituted.
There’s a clear lack of accountability, and this is where the influence of senior players becomes crucial.
It’s difficult to manage a group of young players without strong leaders in the squad.
The Issue with Too Much Adulation at Manchester United
One of the biggest issues at Manchester United is that their young players are often put on a pedestal far too early.
They receive too much praise without having earned it on the pitch, and that can affect their mentality.
I remember when I was playing for Liverpool, if we lost a match, I wouldn’t dare go out in public.
But in Manchester, there seems to be a different mentality.
It feels more like a “showbiz” culture where players are celebrated even when they haven’t achieved much.
The situation with Cristiano Ronaldo is a perfect example of this issue.
He was the ultimate professional at United, demanding high standards from everyone.
Yet, after leaving the club, Ronaldo himself noted that the mentality of the modern player has shifted.
He argued that many current players don’t seem to care as much about winning, which has contributed to the overall decline in the club’s performance.
The Vital Role of Senior Players in Managing the Dressing Room
When I look at the current Manchester United squad, I wonder who they have to rely on for leadership.
Senior players are essential in maintaining discipline, helping younger players understand the importance of the team, and setting the right example.
In the past, there were key figures in every squad who could take responsibility and help the manager keep the locker room under control.
But who are those players for Manchester United today?
As Jock Stein, the legendary manager of Celtic, once said, “Don’t go looking for problems, they’ll find you.”
It’s crucial for a manager to have trustworthy senior players in the dressing room who can handle any issues before they escalate.
Liverpool’s Unsung Hero: Alexis Mac Allister
While much of the attention at Liverpool is focused on stars like Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, and Virgil van Dijk, one player who has impressed me this season is Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentine midfielder has been exceptional, and I’d argue he’s been even more influential than Salah this year.
Mac Allister has shown fantastic work ethic, versatility, and attitude.
He’s the kind of player who doesn’t shy away from hard work and is always looking to push further up the pitch.
Liverpool’s £35 million investment in Mac Allister looks like an absolute bargain at this point.
He has brought so much to the team, and his ability to influence the game both offensively and defensively has been remarkable.
If you ask me, he’s the unsung hero of Liverpool’s success this season.
Cole Palmer: A Young Talent Who Deserves Patience
Turning to another young player, Cole Palmer has faced criticism lately after going seven games without scoring.
Some pundits have been quick to question his body language, but I think this is incredibly unfair.
Palmer is still a very young player, and every player goes through patches where they struggle.
I’ve seen enough from him to know that he’s still a dangerous player, even when the goals aren’t coming.
I understand why people are critical when a player isn’t performing, but I believe Palmer’s class is undeniable.
He has the potential to be a key player for Chelsea, and I’m confident that the goals will come soon.
In fact, I think Manchester City might regret letting him go, as they haven’t replaced him with anyone of his caliber.
Conclusion: The Modern Football Landscape
Managing modern footballers has never been more difficult, especially at the top level where expectations are immense.
The pressure is relentless, and dealing with the egos and personalities of today’s players can be a significant challenge.
However, as a manager, it’s essential to have strong senior players to help guide the younger ones and ensure the team’s standards remain high.
Whether it’s dealing with petulance or nurturing young talent, the job of a manager has never been more demanding.