Premier League managers are judged by how their groups carry out on the pitch, however the language they use off it may well additionally play into how they’re perceived by supporters, gamers and the media.
From Ange Postecoglou’s many makes use of of “mate” to the significance Sean Dyche locations on “exhausting yards”, managers use language to create a persona for them and their squad, or to forge togetherness.
We just lately checked out Erik ten Hag’s reference to a “sport mannequin” at Manchester United, so in addition to including one other Ten Hagism, our writers regarded on the phrases and phrases utilized by Premier League managers and why they make use of them.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal: ‘Versatility’, ‘adaptability’ and ‘unpredictability’
All are related and communicate to how Arteta has constructed Arsenal in his picture. They have an inclination to return up when he talks about new signings, and he first spoke of a need for extra “unpredictability” in January 2020 when he welcomed Pablo Mari as his first left-footed centre-back to make Arsenal’s build-up extra… unpredictable.
“Versatility” cropped up extra between 2022 and 2023 with the introduction of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz. These gamers all got here with the flexibility to play in a number of positions, which has underpinned the other ways Arteta’s Arsenal can arrange.
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“Adaptability” is taking by itself evolution. Fairly than specializing in gamers’ attributes, Arteta has began talking about how adaptable Arsenal might be as a collective to win in numerous contexts. This language has filtered by to gamers, like Bukayo Saka, with the Spaniard’s emphasis on being versatile, adaptable and unpredictable clear in lots of features of their play.
Artwork de Roché
Arteta’s use of language has developed together with his Arsenal facet (GLYN KIRK/AFP by way of Getty Photos)
Unai Emery, Aston Villa: ‘Demanding’
Invariably, most questions on his Villa staff are met with Emery preaching the necessity for his gamers to be “demanding”.
This may imply a spread of issues when coming from Emery, comparable to Villa’s tactical construction being appropriate or the “demanding” challenges of the opposition.
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Even the first description Ollie Watkins gave of Emery earlier this month was the very fact he was very “demanding”.
It’s a phrase meaning so many issues, but sums up the Villa’s supervisor’s affect slightly properly.
Jacob Tanswell
Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth: ‘We had our possibilities…’
He says it as a result of they often do. In keeping with Opta’s anticipated objectives (xG) tallies, Bournemouth have been anticipated to attain no less than as soon as in 35 of their 44 Premier League video games beneath Iraola, having had no less than one shot on the right track in each match.
The Spaniard’s high-risk, high-reward fashion can usually go away him reflecting on turning factors in his post-match interviews, all the time making certain to underline intervals of the sport by which his staff had been proactive and pressed excessive. After defeats, even to the likes of Manchester Metropolis, Liverpool and Arsenal, he’ll refer again to moments his staff had in entrance of objective earlier than the tide modified, with phrases comparable to “depth” and “momentum” generally heard.
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Whatever the end result, Iraola’s facet make issues occur, and his evaluation usually factors to a person who relishes the chance to check himself in opposition to the very best.
Thom Harris
Thomas Frank, Brentford: ‘Assured however humble’
Since Matthew Benham grew to become Brentford’s majority proprietor in June 2012, they’ve risen from the third tier of English soccer to the Premier League, upgraded their coaching floor and constructed a shiny new stadium.
Brentford have spent over £100million within the final couple of switch home windows, which might have appeared like a mad fantasy a decade in the past, and so they have ambitions of qualifying for Europe.
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Thomas Frank interview: ‘I am blissful right here – it is near the right soccer life. However I’m open for what can occur’
It has been an unimaginable interval of change. Thomas Frank’s catchphrase, which he repeatedly says to the media and his squad, is “assured however humble”. It’s about his gamers and workers being courageous sufficient to carry their very own within the high flight and document well-known victories over Manchester Metropolis, Arsenal and Manchester United, however not overlook their roots. It’s also why the mantra, “We’re only a bus cease in Hounslow” has grow to be a badge of honour.
Jay Harris
Frank with Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola (OLI SCARFF/AFP by way of Getty Photos)
Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton: ‘Momentum’
In his first seven matches within the Premier League, one of many issues Hurzeler has been struck by is the necessity to acquire impetus and exploit it when you’ve it, each in matches and on this division itself.
He has been on the improper finish and the suitable finish of momentum shifts within the final two video games. His staff conceded 4 objectives in 20 minutes within the first half of the 4-2 defeat at Chelsea, then scored three objectives in 18 minutes within the second half in opposition to Tottenham to show a 2-0 deficit right into a 3-2 victory.
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Talking after the Tottenham comeback, Hurzeler made fairly clear the significance he locations on it.
“The league is so aggressive,” he mentioned. “You must work exhausting for the momentum. When you’ve momentum, you need to use this momentum.”
Andy Naylor
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea: ‘Id’
Some cheeky critics of Chelsea’s switch coverage could ponder whether “determine” could be a extra applicable phrase for Maresca to make use of given what number of gamers he needed to get to know on beginning work in July.
However like all coach after taking up a brand new staff, Maresca needs to get the squad taking part in his manner and have a constant tactical sport plan. That is the place the usage of “identification” is available in.
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Maresca first uttered the phrase in the beginning of pre-season and barely a press convention goes by with out the Italian repeating the message.
He was at it once more after making 11 modifications for the 4-2 win over Gent within the UEFA Convention League, saying: “The essential factor is, altering gamers, you’ll be able to (nonetheless) see the aim and identification of the staff.”
He’s not the primary supervisor to make use of the expression and it is sensible. Irrespective of who is chosen, Maresca needs folks to see a ‘Maresca staff’.
Simon Johnson
Maresca has made a formidable begin to life as Chelsea head coach (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP by way of Getty Photos)
Constructive man Oliver Glasner is all about emotional stability.
NIPSILD is a German acronym meaning “suppose not in issues, however in options”. He picked it up from a former coach and it helps him reply to points with alacrity slightly than despondency.
Earlier than going through Manchester United, Glasner mentioned of latest signing Daichi Kamada: “We knew if we wanted him as a No 6, then he helps the staff there. If we want him because the No 10, then he helps there.
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“We didn’t anticipate Adam Wharton to wrestle together with his groin however we’ve to seek out options. For me it was about NIPSILD… we’ve to resolve these matters and Daichi helps us to be extra versatile.”
One other theme of his mindset is staying within the current, not dwelling on the previous — “the previous has gone” — or worrying unduly concerning the future.
Max Mathews
Sean Dyche, Everton: ‘Exhausting yards’
This one needs to be pretty self-explanatory and precisely the sort of phrase you’ll anticipate from Dyche. “Exhausting yards” is his manner of reinforcing to his gamers the worth of a powerful work ethic and doing the fundamentals.
One other of his maxims, following on related traces, is “minimal requirement is most effort”. You get the drift.
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Different notable Dycheisms embrace “on the grass”, affirmation a participant has returned to gentle coaching, and altering the “noise” or “story” across the membership.
As has been apparent, there was loads of noise to take care of all through Dyche’s tenure at Goodison Park.
Patrick Boyland
Marco Silva, Fulham: ‘Concept’, ‘Steadiness’
Now into 4 seasons at Fulham, The Athletic is well-versed in Marco Silva-isms.
On the subject of fashion of play, the primary and most essential phrase within the log e-book is studying the staff’s “thought”. New signings and personnel want time to adapt to this, the all-encompassing phrase meaning extra than simply philosophy; it additionally refers to each membership tradition and the staff’s ambition. Tactically, he all the time needs his facet to indicate “steadiness”, a time period designed to seize the need for clear sheets in addition to goalscoring.
The opposite notable Silvaisms happen pre- and post-match. Earlier than video games, opponents are invariably labelled “powerful”, whereas afterwards, Silva will all the time speak by the 90 minutes first, and all the time begins by declaring which staff “deserved to win” (particularly if that’s Fulham).
Oh, and on referees, incorrect choices are labelled both “unusual” or “obscure” — the latter if they’re significantly poor.
Peter Rutzler
Kieran McKenna, Ipswich City: ‘The group’
Ipswich’s success beneath McKenna might be attributed to being a well-coached facet and a spirited, unified “group”. All the group past the beginning XI had been essential to Ipswich successful back-to-back promotions, from the quantity of late objectives from substitutes, to veteran ahead Sone Aluko working with the membership’s analysts when not within the matchday squad.
In the course of the 2023-24 marketing campaign, McKenna often described his facet as “the identical group”, a reference to the squad being largely unchanged from the one which had achieved promotion from League One the season earlier than as they competed with former Premier League sides Southampton, Leicester Metropolis and Leeds United.
The group has had a rebrand this season. It’s now “a brand new group”, “a younger group” and “a bunch that’s coming collectively” after bringing in 10 summer season signings and trying to adapt to the Premier League.
Ali Rampling
McKenna and his growing group (Bryn Lennon/Getty Photos)
Steve Cooper, Leicester Metropolis: ‘The plan’
His critics among the many Leicester followers would possibly declare Cooper doesn’t possess a plan, however he definitely references “the plan” frequently.
At each Crystal Palace and at Arsenal, he denied his facet’s deep defending when beneath strain wasn’t “a part of the plan”, and in press conferences, he has spoken about “the plan” of how he needs to assault, with a excessive full-back and a field of 4 midfielders with two No 10s.
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There’s a plan, though it’s not as structured in the identical strict manner as beneath Maresca. There’s extra freedom granted to people to make choices within the closing third.
That, and a extra aggressive strategy to defending with extra athletic people chosen, appears to be “the plan” Cooper is referring to.
Rob Tanner
Arne Slot, Liverpool: ‘Requirements’
Slot has hardly ever flinched since taking up at Liverpool and his message has been constant from the beginning. Setting the suitable “requirements” is what he expects from his gamers as a result of that’s the minimal requirement when representing Liverpool.
It’s why when he’s been requested concerning the flying begin to the season and the run of 9 victories from 10 video games, he’s responded with solutions that counsel his gamers ought to merely be taking all of this of their stride.
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It’s the identical when people have been closely praised, for instance, Ryan Gravenberch. When requested about his spectacular begin, Slot mentioned: “Now it’s as much as him to maintain the requirements as they’re at this second.”
It’s his go-to reply and till Liverpool have accomplished the following spherical of powerful fixtures, anticipate to listen to related ideas within the days forward.
Gregg Evans
Pep Guardiola, Manchester Metropolis: ‘So, so…’
“Course of” would in all probability be the tactical time period Guardiola makes use of most frequently. Not within the sense of a time frame however the numerous issues that go into Metropolis’s possession sport.
However that’s not what he’s recognized for, in any respect. If there was a stereotypical Guardiola phrase it will be, “I’m so, so blissful guys, so blissful”.
It’s a little bit of a pastiche of his first-season interviews when he was seen as a loopy foreigner whose fashion wouldn’t work over right here and mentioned unusual issues in interviews making an attempt to defend himself. And that’s caught!
Sam Lee
(OLI SCARFF/AFP by way of Getty Photos)
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United: ‘Clear’
Ten Hag’s communication fashion has raised eyebrows all through his managerial profession. Upon first becoming a member of Ajax, media within the Netherlands made jokes about his accent. His years in England have seen folks query his straight-to-the-point-yet-sparse-in-detail manner of answering questions.
Ask him for touch upon potential signings and he’ll reply: “When we’ve information, we are going to let you know.” Ten Hag has “a plan” that entails “guidelines” and “rules”.
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We now have already touched on what he means by “sport mannequin”, however one other of his favourites is the phrase “clear”. This stems from the Dutch phrase “duidelijk”, which might imply “clearly” and could be utilized in the identical manner an English supervisor would possibly finish a sentence with, “Know what I imply?”.
That is additionally why he usually makes a “ehn?”-like grunt on the finish of so many sentences. He needs to verify he’s being understood.
Carl Anka
Love. That’s good, isn’t it? What a splendidly optimistic phrase for Howe to make use of so usually. The one factor is, he makes use of it within the method of a dad telling the children he actually loves the canine, however there’s been an accident on the driveway.
“We love him,” he mentioned to the Chronicle about Miguel Almiron in the summertime, whereas the membership totted up his PSR (Revenue and Sustainability guidelines) worth. “He was a participant that we liked,” he informed Radio Newcastle after Elliot Anderson was ushered out the door. “It’s troublesome for me to provide like to the gamers on a regular basis. Typically you need to give them the other,” he mentioned after giving Anthony Gordon regardless of the reverse of affection is.
And in summer season, he mentioned, “I completely love and am very proud and honoured to be Newcastle United supervisor.” Earlier than including: “And so long as I stay blissful and free to do my job in the way in which that I’ve been and really feel supported then that can proceed.”
To which CEO Darren Eales responded, “We love him.” Which is worrying.
Andrew Hankinson
Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest: ‘It’s concerning the staff’
Ask Nuno a couple of participant who’s performing properly or exceeding expectations and he’ll usually fortunately furnish you with a number of phrases of reward.
Ask him about upcoming opposition and he’ll discuss them being a “superb staff, with superb gamers”, which is one other of his oft-repeated phrases.
However, regardless of the topic of the query or the subject, Nuno will usually come again to 1 factor: how nothing is extra essential than Forest as a staff or group.
A lot of the work Nuno and his workers do on the coaching floor is meant to advertise the sense of togetherness and unity inside the dressing room and the concept they’re stronger collectively, slightly than as people.
He doesn’t usually give an excessive amount of away in his press conferences, however the Forest head coach hardly ever misses a possibility to underline how “it’s concerning the staff”.
Paul Taylor
Nuno took over as Forest boss in December 2023 (IAN HODGSON/AFP by way of Getty Photos)
Russell Martin, Southampton: ‘Taking the temperature’
Whereas the warmth will increase on Martin the longer Southampton watch for a primary Premier League win of the season, references to his staff taking or reducing “the temperature” are amongst his favourites.
It has the same which means to a different common Martin precept: “dominating the ball”. When he talks about taking or reducing “the temperature” of a sport, Martin means getting his staff to cross the opposition dizzy and halt their momentum. That is usually within the context of his staff taking part in away from house to nullify the gang.
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Management and domination are key rules for a Martin staff in possession and that’s mirrored in his language when talking to the media. Will taking the temperature of Southampton’s perilous scenario trigger Martin to alter ways? Unlikely.
Nancy Froston
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur: ‘Mate’
Relying upon what temper Postecoglou is in, this phrase can have hundreds of various meanings. Rising up in Melbourne because the son of Greek immigrants, “mate” began out like every other phrase in Postecoglou’s vocabulary nevertheless it shortly grew to become a device he bent to his will.
It’s generally used within the conventional sense — “good morning, mate” — however Postecoglou has much more enjoyable with it too.
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For instance, it may be used as a joke to defuse a tense press convention — “I’m not a violin participant, mate” — or to passive-aggressively shut down a query: “Not , mate.” If he attracts out the primary syllable “maaaate” then he’s often having a barely light-hearted interplay with a reporter.
After Tottenham’s 4-1 defeat to Chelsea final November, the place they caught with a excessive line regardless of being lowered to 9 males, it grew to become a rallying cry — “It’s who we’re, mate. Even with 5 males, mate, we could have a crack.”
Who knew it may maintain such energy?
Jay Harris
For Spurs boss Postecoglou, ‘mate’ has numerous meanings (Bryn Lennon/Getty Photos)
Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United: ‘Consistency’ and ‘It’s concerning the staff’
West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui usually talks about desirous to see his facet present “consistency”, however it’s one thing they’ve lacked this season.
They’ve yielded eight factors from their first seven video games and have suffered heavy defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool.
However when his facet do present promising performances, it’s unusual for him to single out people. As with many supervisor, the staff ethic is vital.
No matter whether or not it’s Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen or Michail Antonio, Lopetegui would slightly reference the staff and emphasise why the togetherness will assist West Ham in the long term.
Roshane Thomas
Gary O’Neil, Wolves: ‘The way it appears’
O’Neil loves speaking ways and spends a lot of his time watching upcoming opponents and getting ready his gamers for the way these opponents will strategy the sport.
“What it appears like”, or variations of the phrase, is what O’Neil says frequently when describing how intently the sport resembled the tactical plan outlined to his gamers within the build-up.
There’s usually a glance of satisfaction in his eyes when he describes a sport trying on the pitch prefer it did on the ways board or the video room.
However at occasions, particularly this season, he has been left annoyed by his staff’s incapability to adapt when a sport doesn’t “look” like they anticipate.
To this point this time period, “the way it appears” is fairly daunting.
Steve Madeley
(Images: Getty Photos; graphic: Kelsea Petersen)
