The pressure of managing elite sports teams can take its toll, not only do managers have to deal with thousands of screaming fans every weekend, but they are also in charge of a full squad of players, and other staff, and have the added worries of team finances.
All management positions carry a degree of stress, and being under constant public scrutiny takes it up a notch. Managers in the top leagues are under constant pressure to deliver, with fans calling for change if results or performances aren’t up to scratch.
Gambling expert Liliana Costache explains that there is so much interest in managerial changes that betting markets for the next manager to leave or be sacked are extremely popular. The wide variety of betting markets available to consumers adds a whole new aspect to how they view managers, with their finances directly affected by decisions. (Source)
At present, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglu is the clear favourite to lose his job following his side's poor league performances. While he has been clear that the club's injury crisis is the major factor behind Spurs' poor form, the pressure continues to build.
Many managers have spoken about the intense pressure they are under during their careers, and learning to live with and deal with it is essential to performance.
Coping Methods
Learning coping methods can be a big help to managers, and there are many to explore.
Breathing methods can be an excellent way to cope and also help when speaking. This is essential for all important team talks and press conferences.
Journalists can be as critical as fans when questioning managers following a poor performance, and breathing exercises can help managers control themselves and give more objective answers rather than snapping at reporters.
Meditation would not have had much time in dressing rooms during the '70s and '80s, but improving mindfulness is becoming more commonplace among athletes and those in high-power positions.
Diet
Many managers are ex-pros and continue the good diet they were introduced to during their playing days. However, without the requirement of having to perform as an elite athlete every week, many can pile on the pounds after retirement.
A healthy diet not only benefits managers physically but can also provide improved mental health. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine while making sure your body gets foods rich in choline can help. Nuts, seeds, cruciferous vegetables, eggs, fish, and poultry are all good options with high choline levels.
The body's choline acetyltransferase enzyme causes reactions between acetyl groups in the body and the choline provided by these foods to create acetylcholine which has been shown to increase cognitive function and help the brain adapt to external stimuli.
Exercise
There are multiple reasons why exercise can help sufferers of stress including helping to reduce tension and anxiety, boosting self-esteem and providing a sense of control, improving coping abilities, and releasing endorphins.
Football managers find themselves in an enviable position where they can access high-quality exercise equipment at their workplace and join in on training sessions.
Hobbies
Finally, one of the best ways to destress is to remove yourself from the situation. Hobbies have played a big part in stress relief for football stars and managers, and one of the most popular is golf.
Golf gives people an opportunity to get outside into the fresh air, enjoy some gentle exercise, and focus on something else.