The market of the benches, from inside
The player market has a more or less clear operation. Clubs monitor potential talent every day until the needs or the idea of a good operation leads them to buy or sell different players. But how does the ever-open coaching market work?
The Athletic investigates and ensures that this is always open. The clubs always monitor potential replacements to what they have on their bench, even if the situation is good. Sources involved in these selection processes shed light on how they are produced. “The idea that clubs are not constantly looking for coaches is childish and stupid. Clubs don’t like to admit it, but they are looking for them all over the world,” says a source involved in the recruitment.
According to sources cited by the club, there are several agents who constantly update the career of their coaches in the portfolio to clubs that are not necessarily looking for, but who like their profile for the future. Thus, if there is a march, they will try to be the first to apply for the position.
They add that the coaches are aware of the volatility of the position and that they “know that their employer will look for a replacement from the moment they arrive.” “It is the only job where you know that you are likely to be fired in three years because you already know that there is a possibility that you will be replaced,” says an agent quoted by The Athletic.