What does a Champions League manager’s style say about their team? An answer in four acts
“Fashion you can buy, style you possess”. This famous phrase from the fashion world’s centurion, Iris Apfel, seems likely to continually reverberate throughout the generations. There are countless examples to verify such a notion, especially throughout the annals of European football.
As the Champions League continues to thunder its way through another year, spectators and fans get to witness a coming-together of styles, a culture clash, between two sides operating under contrasting tactics, styles, and philosophies. The impetus behind these facets of the game is the manager. A manager, to quote Sir Alex Ferguson: “cannot lead by following”. These notions are nothing new, style and leadership must be developed organically in order to attain the required level. However, when it comes to managerial sartorial choices on the sidelines, there are often overlapping yet slightly contrasting styles that almost seem to emanate onto the pitch the essence of the team’s play style. Looking at some of the managers competing in the Champions League Knockout-Rounds, perhaps there is a ring of truth in the notion that what a manager wears may influence what we see on the pitch.
Julian Nagelsmann
AC Milan are back at the top table of European football and aside from Internazionale fans, most are enthused by their long-awaited return. Despite a tougher domestic season, there are still scope for Milan to finish in the top three. Stefano Pioli has been the leading force behind the return of the European giant, not only improving the side tactically and individually, but he has also united the collective mentality, enhanced professionalism, and reminded those that needed reminding that AC Milan are one of the very best.
Much like Nagelsmann and Potter, Pioli recently opted to bring what Musa Okwonga describes on Stadio: A Football Podcast, as ‘roll-neck energy’, Pioli emanating strength, formality, and self-belief. That said, thanks to OFF-WHITE combining this with white sneakers alludes to a streak of excitement that spectators see throughout this Milan side irrespective of their defensive structure and midfield strength.
Clearly, managerial sartorial choices matter to a certain extent. That said, these links are loose and will not impact a side much in comparison to tactics and training methods, obviously. Clothing is a way in which we all represent ourselves, a manager is no different, yet what they represent is bigger than themselves, and at points, dressing for the occasion will do no harm, perhaps the very opposite.
