In soccer, you will hear “soccer coach” and “soccer manager” used interchangeably. It seems obvious at first, they are both about getting the team over the line.
But upon closer inspection, you’ll find that these two roles have different responsibilities, philosophies, and perspectives, with some overlap.
If you’re a die-hard fan of soccer, you are hoping to play someday, or you’re a newcomer with curiosity about the differences in positions, then read this to understand the difference between a soccer coach and a soccer manager – it will help you to improve your understanding of this beautiful game.
Is A Soccer Manager The Same As A Football Manager?
Before we jump into the differences between a soccer coach and a soccer manager, let’s sort out one common confusion: the terms ‘soccer manager’ and ‘football manager.
Soccer is called football in many parts of the world, most notably Europe. So that one is pretty much the same as a soccer manager vs. a football manager.
The name changes depending on the area, but the function remains the same.
A soccer (or football) manager is the head of the team, in charge of everything from player selection and tactics to transfers and media relations.
They’re the public face of the team, the strategist, and, very often, the person who determines the direction of the club.
SEE ALSO | 8 England Managers Who Also Managed Premier League Clubs
What is a Soccer Manager?
A soccer manager, particularly in European football, is the person responsible for overseeing the entire operation of a team. Their responsibilities go beyond just coaching the players. A manager has a broad scope of duties.
Which include:
- Tactical Planning: Developing game strategies, selecting formations, and deciding the starting lineup.
- Player Selection and Transfers: Recruiting and selling players, handling contracts, and working with scouts to find talent.
- Motivating Players: Keeping morale high, ensuring a strong team spirit, and maintaining discipline.
- Handling the Media: Speaking at press conferences, managing public relations, and representing the club.
- Working with the Board: Collaborating with club owners, directors, and executives to align team objectives with financial and long-term goals.
- Delegating Responsibilities: Assigning tasks to assistant coaches, trainers, and medical staff.
What is a Soccer Coach?
A soccer coach, also referred to as a head coach in some leagues, is primarily responsible for training the players and preparing them for matches.
While the coach’s role can overlap with that of a manager in some cases, their main focus is on the day-to-day development of the team.
Their duties include:
- Training Sessions: Planning and executing training drills, conditioning exercises, and skill development activities.
- Tactical Execution: Implementing the manager’s game plan during training and making sure players understand their roles.
- Player Development: Working on individual and team skills, fitness, and strategy comprehension.
- Game-Day Coaching: Providing instructions from the sidelines, making tactical adjustments, and guiding the team during matches.
- Injury Management: Collaborating with medical staff to ensure players remain fit and healthy.
SEE ALSO | 10 Greatest Football Managers Of All Time
Key Differences Between a Soccer Manager and a Coach
| Feature | Soccer Manager | Soccer Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Responsibilities | Oversees the entire club operations, including player transfers and finances | Focuses primarily on team training and performance |
| Game-Day Duties | Makes strategic decisions, selects the starting lineup, and manages substitutions | Implements tactics, motivates players, and provides real-time guidance |
| Player Development | Works on squad building and recruitment | Works on individual player skills and fitness |
| Interaction with Club Owners | Works directly with club executives on team finances and goals | Has limited involvement in club management decisions |
| Handling the Media | Regularly speaks to the press and represents the club | Occasionally gives interviews but focuses on training |
Regional Differences: European vs. North American Soccer
The difference between manager and coach is more pronounced in Europe than in North America. The word “manager” is commonly used in British football, and managers exert more control over every team aspect — transfers included.
In other European countries, like Germany and Spain, the head coach title is the norm and the responsibilities of bringing in and financially managing players usually fall to a separate sporting director.
In North America in general, and Major League Soccer (MLS) in particular, the head coach and the general manager are not the same person.
The head coach oversees the training and makes game-day decisions; the general manager works out contracts, trades, and team-building strategies.
This model is similar to how American sports teams work, such as in the NFL or NBA.
SEE ALSO | 10 Greatest Premier League Managers in History (So Far)
Can a Soccer Manager Also Be a Coach?
Yes, sometimes the manager and coach are the same. At smaller clubs, the budget might not allow for a separate manager and coach, so one person takes on both roles.
However, at the very top level, with bigger money behind these clubs, this division of labor becomes more pronounced.
Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United was a good example of a manager-coach hybrid. He was in charge of everything in the club and was also heavily involved in training.
That modified a clear difference, as contemporary soccer had been trending toward having more tightly defined roles — many clubs today hire both a manager and a head coach.
Why Does the Difference Matter?
Realizing the difference between a soccer manager and a coach goes a long way to help uncover the internal workings of a team.
It also prepares fans and aspiring professionals in the sport for these positions.
If you want to coach, your emphasis will be on player development and game strategy. If your goal is to be a manager, the leadership skills you need go beyond coaching; you’ll need to deal with transfers, relations with the media, financial planning, and more.
Real-Life Examples Of Coach/Managers
To show these differences in real life, let’s consider some specific examples:
- Sir Alex Ferguson (Coach/Manager)
Sir Alex Ferguson was the model soccer manager at Manchester United. He was engaged in every part of the club, from player transfers to match-day tactics.
His capacity to shepherd both the team and a longer-term vision for the club was crucial to his success.
- Pep Guardiola (Coach/Manager)
Pep Guardiola is one of the rare typical coach-manager hybrids. He is renowned for his tactical acumen and his hands-on coaching style, but he has also wielded considerable influence over player transfers and club strategy.
- Roberto Mancini (Coach)
Roberto Mancini is a coach focused on the development of its players and match preparation.
And though he might have a say on tactics, his job is mostly as the arbiter who makes sure the players are primed to implement the manager’s plan.
