This is one of my favourite Sir Alex Ferguson quotes because it describes how to be a great manager.
Right now, I’m sure that the best era of football – the one with great pitches, iconic stadiums, and quality TV broadcasts – ended with the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
He was an iconic manager who could turn average football players into the best versions of themselves and build truly great teams. How was that possible? Here’s why:
“I remember my father used to say, ‘God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.’ It’s a great lesson for a manager.”
Source: Managing My Life: My Autobiography.
He was ready to speak with everyone – players, fans, and agents – in a language they understood, and he was also ready to listen to them. I believe many managers can either listen well (like Carlo Ancelotti) or talk well (like José Mourinho), but being able to do both is an extraordinary skill.
God, if you exist, please give us that old football back if possible. We miss it so much.
