Premier League managers are judged by how their groups carry out on the pitch, however the language they use off it may 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 “arduous 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 “recreation mannequin” at Manchester United, so in addition to including one other Ten Hagism, our writers seemed 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 comparable and communicate to how Arteta has constructed Arsenal in his picture. They have an inclination to come back up when he talks about new signings, and he first spoke of a want 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 power to play in a number of positions, which has underpinned the alternative ways Arteta’s Arsenal can arrange.
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“Adaptability” is taking by itself evolution. Relatively 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 via to gamers, like Bukayo Saka, with the Spaniard’s emphasis on being versatile, adaptable and unpredictable clear in lots of elements of their play.
Artwork de Roché
Arteta’s use of language has advanced along with his Arsenal aspect (GLYN KIRK/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
Unai Emery, Aston Villa: ‘Demanding’
Invariably, most questions on his Villa workforce are met with Emery preaching the necessity for his gamers to be “demanding”.
This could imply a spread of issues when coming from Emery, corresponding to Villa’s tactical construction being right or the “demanding” challenges of the opposition.
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Even the primary 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 relatively properly.
Jacob Tanswell
Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth: ‘We had our possibilities…’
He says it as a result of they normally do. Based on Opta’s anticipated objectives (xG) tallies, Bournemouth have been anticipated to attain not less than as soon as in 35 of their 44 Premier League video games below Iraola, having had not less than one shot on track in each match.
The Spaniard’s high-risk, high-reward model can typically go away him reflecting on turning factors in his post-match interviews, all the time guaranteeing to underline intervals of the sport through which his workforce have been proactive and pressed excessive. After defeats, even to the likes of Manchester Metropolis, Liverpool and Arsenal, he’ll refer again to moments his workforce had in entrance of objective earlier than the tide modified, with phrases corresponding to “depth” and “momentum” generally heard.
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Whatever the end result, Iraola’s aspect make issues occur, and his evaluation typically factors to a person who relishes the chance to check himself in opposition to the perfect.
Thom Harris
Thomas Frank, Brentford: ‘Assured however humble’
Since Matthew Benham turned 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, they usually have ambitions of qualifying for Europe.
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Thomas Frank interview: ‘I am comfortable right here – it is near the proper soccer life. However I’m open for what can occur’
It has been an unbelievable 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 employees being courageous sufficient to carry their very own within the prime flight and file well-known victories over Manchester Metropolis, Arsenal and Manchester United, however not overlook their roots. It is usually why the mantra, “We’re only a bus cease in Hounslow” has turn into a badge of honour.
Jay Harris
Frank with Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola (OLI SCARFF/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
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 achieve impetus and exploit it when you might have it, each in matches and on this division itself.
He has been on the unsuitable finish and the best finish of momentum shifts within the final two video games. His workforce 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. “It’s important to work arduous for the momentum. When you might have momentum, it’s important to use this momentum.”
Andy Naylor
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea: ‘Id’
Some cheeky critics of Chelsea’s switch coverage might ponder whether “determine” can be a extra acceptable 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 workforce, Maresca desires to get the squad enjoying his means and have a constant tactical recreation plan. That is the place the usage of “id” is available in.
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Enzo Maresca interview: ‘I’m 100 per cent certain we’re on the best path’
Maresca first uttered the phrase firstly 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 adjustments for the 4-2 win over Gent within the UEFA Convention League, saying: “The necessary factor is, altering gamers, you possibly can (nonetheless) see the aim and id of the workforce.”
He’s not the primary supervisor to make use of the expression and it is smart. Irrespective of who is chosen, Maresca desires folks to see a ‘Maresca workforce’.
Simon Johnson
Maresca has made a formidable begin to life as Chelsea head coach (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
Constructive man Oliver Glasner is all about emotional stability.
NIPSILD is a German acronym meaning “assume not in issues, however in options”. He picked it up from a former coach and it helps him reply to points with alacrity relatively than despondency.
Earlier than going through Manchester United, Glasner mentioned of recent signing Daichi Kamada: “We knew if we would have liked him as a No 6, then he helps the workforce 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 along with his groin however we’ve got to search out options. For me it was about NIPSILD… we’ve got to resolve these subjects 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: ‘Onerous yards’
This one must be pretty self-explanatory and precisely the form of phrase you’d anticipate from Dyche. “Onerous yards” is his means of reinforcing to his gamers the worth of a powerful work ethic and doing the fundamentals.
One other of his maxims, following on comparable strains, 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 mild 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.
In relation to model of play, the primary and most necessary phrase within the log ebook is studying the workforce’s “concept”. 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 workforce’s ambition. Tactically, he all the time desires his aspect to indicate “stability”, a time period designed to seize the will 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 discuss via the 90 minutes first, and all the time begins by declaring which workforce “deserved to win” (particularly if that’s Fulham).
Oh, and on referees, incorrect selections are labelled both “unusual” or “obscure” — the latter if they’re notably poor.
Peter Rutzler
Kieran McKenna, Ipswich City: ‘The group’
Ipswich’s success below McKenna might be attributed to being a well-coached aspect and a spirited, unified “group”. Your entire group past the beginning XI have been essential to Ipswich profitable back-to-back promotions, from the amount of late objectives from substitutes, to veteran ahead Sone Aluko working with the membership’s analysts when not within the matchday squad.
Throughout the 2023-24 marketing campaign, McKenna steadily described his aspect 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 gaggle that’s coming collectively” after bringing in 10 summer time signings and making an attempt to adapt to the Premier League.
Ali Rampling
McKenna and his creating group (Bryn Lennon/Getty Photographs)
Steve Cooper, Leicester Metropolis: ‘The plan’
His critics among the many Leicester followers would possibly declare Cooper doesn’t possess a plan, however he actually references “the plan” regularly.
At each Crystal Palace and at Arsenal, he denied his aspect’s deep defending when below stress wasn’t “a part of the plan”, and in press conferences, he has spoken about “the plan” of how he desires 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 means as below Maresca. There may be extra freedom granted to people to make selections within the ultimate 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 best “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 recommend his gamers ought to merely be taking all of this of their stride.
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It’s the similar 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 comparable 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 recreation.
However that’s not what he’s identified for, in any respect. If there was a stereotypical Guardiola phrase it might be, “I’m so, so comfortable guys, so comfortable”.
It’s a little bit of a pastiche of his first-season interviews when he was considered as a loopy foreigner whose model 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 Photographs)
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United: ‘Clear’
Ten Hag’s communication model 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 means of answering questions.
Ask him for touch upon potential signings and he’ll reply: “When we’ve got information, we’ll inform you.” Ten Hag has “a plan” that entails “guidelines” and “ideas”.
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We have now already touched on what he means by “recreation mannequin”, however one other of his favourites is the phrase “clear”. This stems from the Dutch phrase “duidelijk”, which might imply “clearly” and is perhaps utilized in the identical means an English supervisor would possibly finish a sentence with, “Know what I imply?”.
That is additionally why he typically makes a “ehn?”-like grunt on the finish of so many sentences. He desires to ensure 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 typically. 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 cherished,” he instructed Radio Newcastle after Elliot Anderson was ushered out the door. “It’s troublesome for me to present like to the gamers on a regular basis. Typically it’s important to give them the alternative,” he mentioned after giving Anthony Gordon regardless of the reverse of affection is.
And in summer time, 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 comfortable 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 workforce’
Ask Nuno a few participant who’s performing effectively or exceeding expectations and he’ll usually fortunately furnish you with a couple of phrases of reward.
Ask him about upcoming opposition and he’ll speak about them being a “superb workforce, 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 typically come again to at least one factor: how nothing is extra necessary than Forest as a workforce or group.
A lot of the work Nuno and his employees 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, relatively than as people.
He doesn’t typically give an excessive amount of away in his press conferences, however the Forest head coach hardly ever misses a chance to underline how “it’s concerning the workforce”.
Paul Taylor
Nuno took over as Forest boss in December 2023 (IAN HODGSON/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
Russell Martin, Southampton: ‘Taking the temperature’
Whereas the warmth will increase on Martin the longer Southampton anticipate a primary Premier League win of the season, references to his workforce taking or decreasing “the temperature” are amongst his favourites.
It has an identical that means to a different standard Martin precept: “dominating the ball”. When he talks about taking or decreasing “the temperature” of a recreation, Martin means getting his workforce to move the opposition dizzy and halt their momentum. That is typically within the context of his workforce enjoying away from residence to nullify the gang.
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Management and domination are key ideas for a Martin workforce in possession and that’s mirrored in his language when chatting with the media. Will taking the temperature of Southampton’s perilous scenario trigger Martin to vary ways? Unlikely.
Nancy Froston
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur: ‘Mate’
Relying upon what temper Postecoglou is in, this phrase can have 1000’s of various meanings. Rising up in Melbourne because the son of Greek immigrants, “mate” began out like another phrase in Postecoglou’s vocabulary nevertheless it rapidly turned a software 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 normally 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 diminished to 9 males, it turned a rallying cry — “It’s who we’re, mate. Even with 5 males, mate, we may have a crack.”
Who knew it might maintain such energy?
Jay Harris
For Spurs boss Postecoglou, ‘mate’ has various meanings (Bryn Lennon/Getty Photographs)
Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United: ‘Consistency’ and ‘It’s concerning the workforce’
West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui typically talks about eager to see his aspect 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 aspect do present promising performances, it’s unusual for him to single out people. As with many supervisor, the workforce ethic is essential.
No matter whether or not it’s Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen or Michail Antonio, Lopetegui would relatively reference the workforce 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 a way these opponents will strategy the sport.
“What it appears like”, or variations of the phrase, is what O’Neil says recurrently when describing how carefully the sport resembled the tactical plan outlined to his gamers within the build-up.
There may be typically a glance of satisfaction in his eyes when he describes a recreation wanting 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 workforce’s incapacity to adapt when a recreation doesn’t “look” like they anticipate.
Up to now this time period, “the way it appears” is fairly daunting.
Steve Madeley
(Images: Getty Photographs; graphic: Kelsea Petersen)