Overview
- Gareth Southgate published a LinkedIn analysis on Thursday tying recent exits at Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid to a broader shift in club governance.
- He writes that sporting, technical or football directors oversee long-term strategy and sit above head coaches, accelerating the loss of managerial power.
- Southgate links the departures to power struggles, citing disputes with executives in Ruben Amorim’s case, clashes with medical staff for Enzo Maresca, and player influence over Xabi Alonso.
- He says modern head coaches face larger squads, bigger backroom teams, heavier analytical demands and relentless media and commercial obligations, creating intense pressure.
- Drawing on his England tenure, he notes he insisted on the title of manager to retain authority and now defines his role hierarchy as leader, manager, coach.