espnstar.com's Eugene YS Han has realised being mean is a key requisite for success as a football manager in England.

by Eugene YS Han

In the world of football management, you can’t afford to be nice.

In order to succeed or to survive, one has to have a mean streak. This is especially so for managers.

Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson is a prime example. After all, you can’t argue with two Champions League wins, ten Premier League titles and five FA Cups. Ferguson is a perfect example of the grouchy uncle you never ever want to cross.

Good old Jose Mourinho has similar qualities. The new Brazilian manager at Stamford Bridge also falls into the same category.

Luiz Felipe Scolari may be friendly to the English press now, but the former Brazil coach is famous for his public outbursts and occasional fist-fights.

Scolari was once fined and suspended for four games by UEFA after throwing a punch at Serbia defender Ivica Dragutinovic during a Euro 2008 qualifier in 2007. This is just one of his many misdemeanors. Roman Abramovich must have conveniently over-looked those ‘career lowlights’ when perusing Scolari’s resume. I am sure what he saw was a winner through and through.

It is the same for Sunderland’s Roy Keane. The former Manchester United and Nottingham forest midfielder has played under two great managers – Ferguson and Brian Clough. Perhaps taking a leaf from their managerial books, Keane has learnt to have that mean streak. It has rubbed off on his team and influenced their confidence and attitudes.

Sunderland may not be winning titles and cups just yet but they can more than hold their own in the Barclays Premier League. Just ask Liverpool and, on Saturday, Tottenham.

These managers know how to win. They are natural-born winners. Winners attract winners.

What then of Liverpool’s Rafael Benitez? He is the type of manager that you would find owning a grocery store. The only time he gets angry is when someone shoplifts from his shop - for the umpteen time. It is clear that Liverpool’s steel and mean streak comes from his captain on the pitch rather than from the bench.

It’s blatantly obvious that it is beneficial for managers to have a tough, take-no-prisoners persona and a desire to win at all costs.

This is a necessary evil for the managers. This is something they need in order to push the players to another level.

Players achieve the results on the pitch but it’s the managers who create the blueprint for their victory.

I am not saying you have to cheat your way to success. There will be times when you have to kick the opponents when they are down, metaphorically speaking of course.

Make no mistake, it really helps if you have a nasty temper, one that simmers constantly beneath the surface, ready to erupt at the right moment.

Being nice wins you peanuts. Being mean takes you places!

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