Do You Need to Play to Coach? Lessons from Arrigo Sacchi’s Sharp Tongue

When Arrigo Sacchi, one of football’s most revolutionary coaches, was criticised for never having played the sport professionally, his response was razor-sharp: 

“I didn’t realise that to be a good jockey, you first had to be a horse.” 

arrigo sacchi

This witty retort cuts to the heart of an enduring debate: How important is playing experience for coaching success?

Sacchi’s words resonate not just for their humour but because they encapsulate a deeper truth. Despite never playing professionally, he led AC Milan to unprecedented glory in the late 1980s and early 1990s, redefining the game with his tactical genius and team-focused philosophy. Yet, Sacchi remains an anomaly in a landscape dominated by former players who transition into coaching.

So, is having a high-level playing career a pre-requisite for coaching success, or is it possible to master the art of coaching without lacing up your boots professionally? Let’s delve into the debate.

The case for playing experience: Knowing the game inside out

The argument for playing experience seems self-evident. Who better to coach a team than someone who has lived the game firsthand?

Former players-turned-coaches often have a natural understanding of the game’s rhythm, psychological pressures, and tactical intricacies. Their playing careers offer key advantages:-

1. Credibility and Trust: Players are more likely to respect and trust a coach who has walked in their shoes. Consider Zinedine Zidane – his stature as a World Cup-winning legend lends him instant authority and respect, complementing his tactical skills.
2. Empathy for Players’ Struggles: Coaches who’ve experienced the grind of professional sports often have a deeper understanding of their players’ mental and physical challenges. This can lead to stronger relationships and a supportive environment.
3. Firsthand Tactical Insight: Having experienced high-pressure moments on the field, former players possess an intuitive grasp of situational dynamics – knowing when to press, when to defend, and how to manage a game’s momentum.

The case against playing experience: Coaching demands a different skillset

For every Zinedine Zidane who transitions seamlessly from player to coach, there’s an Arrigo Sacchi or José Mourinho who redefines the game without ever playing professionally. These coaches prove that coaching is a distinct discipline, requiring skills beyond what is learned on the field.

Here’s why playing experience may not be essential:

1. Coaching is About Others, Not Yourself: Being a great player doesn’t guarantee success as a coach. There are plenty of examples (which I’ll not refer to here) to back this up. Many former stars struggle to translate their natural talents into coherent strategies or lessons. Coaching requires the ability to communicate, inspire, and adapt – skills that don’t necessarily stem from playing. It also requires a different mindset. The tunnel-vision approach to self improvement as a player is a different mind from the broad perspective needed to improve others as a coach. 
2. Fresh Perspectives Lead to Innovation: Sacchi’s lack of playing credentials arguably gave him an edge. Free from the biases of a player’s mindset, he approached the game with fresh eyes, pioneering a high-pressing, team-focused style that forever changed football. For innovation comes from the intersection of curiosity, creativity, and the willingness to challenge existing norms to solve problems or seize new opportunities. As one fish famously asked another, “How’s the water?” – it’s hard to notice the water when you’ve always been swimming in it.
3. Success Requires Relentless Learning: Coaches like José Mourinho, who never played at the highest level, compensate with insatiable curiosity and a relentless drive to learn. Starting as a translator, Mourinho became one of football’s greatest tacticians through rigorous study and observation. While former players can also develop this hunger, their playing careers often open coaching doors prematurely, sometimes leaving skill gaps in the process. Those who didn’t play simply have no choice but to learn their craft the hard-earned way. 

Striking the balance: The best of both worlds

The reality is that both pathways to coaching, via the playing field or through other routes, have merit. Success ultimately depends on how a coach leverages their background. 

Former players must transition from being singularly focused athletes to broad-minded leaders. Meanwhile, non-players must invest in mastering the game’s nuances and building credibility through knowledge and results.

Consider these two contrasting examples:

• Jurgen Klopp: A former player whose modest career in Germany’s lower leagues shaped his appreciation for hard work and teamwork. Klopp’s coaching success lies in blending his playing insights with charisma and tactical brilliance.
• Bill Belichick: The iconic NFL coach never played football (the American version) professionally, yet his meticulous preparation and strategic mastery made him an icon. Belichick’s journey proves that playing experience isn’t a prerequisite for greatness.

Coaching is about leadership

Ultimately, coaching is not about how well you played but how well you lead. Leadership is the defining quality of a great coach. 

Exceptional coaches inspire trust and respect, articulate a clear vision, and adapt to stay ahead of the game. They challenge their own thinking and the status quo.

Those who rely solely on their playing experience risk stagnation as the sport evolves. And sport, as life, is forever evolving.

Great coaches, whether they be former players or not, commit to continuous learning and innovation.  

The verdict: Does playing experience matter?

Arrigo Sacchi’s horse-and-jockey analogy still rings true: Playing experience can be valuable, but it’s not the sole determinant of coaching success. Whilst former players bring credibility and lived insights, non-players can achieve success by mastering the craft of coaching. 

Ultimately, players don’t follow a coach because of their curriculum vitae – they follow because of their belief in the person leading them.

So, if you’ve never laced up your cleats, don’t let that deter you from dreaming big. As Sacchi proved, you don’t have to be a horse to be a brilliant jockey – you just need to know how to ride.

Please do get in touch if you have any comments or questions on this article, or if you’d like to suggest a topic for another piece.

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