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Man Utd midfielder Juan Mata: Great players not always great coaches

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata says being a great player doesn't mean he'll be a great manager.

He writes in his new book, "Juan Mata: Suddenly A Footballer":

“There are many cases where an ex-player becomes a manager with time. It normally starts by coaching youngsters in academies, then through reserve teams or smaller clubs in lower leagues, to gain some experience of managing groups and leadership.

Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Ronald Koeman, Zinedine Zidane, Julen Lopetegui, Ernesto Valverde, Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte and Ole are just some examples of that process. But having been a fantastic player does not make you a great coach. Not at all.

“Experience definitely adds something really important, but seen from my point of view, becoming a manager has more to do with your understanding of the game, your personality, your ability to communicate, convince and motivate, and your work ethic, than your experience as a football player. You need to be a leader."

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Paul Vegas

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