The Importance of Club DNA in Modern Football Coaching

Michael Carrick embodies the Manchester United ethos, and after just one match as interim head coach at Old Trafford, he is already being celebrated as the club’s potential savior. In contrast, Thomas Frank, who lacks any affiliation with Tottenham Hotspur’s legacy or football philosophy, finds himself in a precarious position, fighting to maintain his job.

While the situation is nuanced, it illustrates a larger trend in football coaching: success is increasingly viewed through the lens of a club’s tradition. Coaches must either embrace these traditions or risk alienating supporters, as well as a vocal group of former players, many of whom are club legends. Deviating from the club’s established identity necessitates immediate success.

The term “football DNA” often arises during managerial crises, serving as a catch-all phrase for fan dissatisfaction. When Manchester United dismissed Ruben Amorim after a disappointing 14-month tenure, former club captain and pundit Gary Neville articulated the need for a manager who aligns with the club’s DNA. “Ajax will never change for anybody, Barcelona will never change for anybody. I don’t believe Manchester United should change for anybody,” he stated on Sky Sports.

Evidently, United took Neville’s advice to heart, interviewing three former players—Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Ruud van Nistelrooy—to succeed Amorim until the season’s end. Carrick emerged victorious and orchestrated a 2-0 victory over Manchester City in his debut match, showcasing a fast-paced, attacking style reminiscent of the club’s glorious past. This is Manchester United’s DNA in action.

However, this notion falters under scrutiny. Sir Alex Ferguson, the most successful manager in United’s history with 48 trophies, arrived from Aberdeen in 1986 without any prior connection to the club. His only experience with a team named “United” was a brief stint with Ayr United in the 1970s. Likewise, Arsene Wenger had no Arsenal affiliation before joining from Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1996, while Jose Mourinho came to Chelsea from FC Porto without prior ties to the club.

Before Wenger, Arsenal’s style was characterized by defensive organization and a lack of flair, earning them the derisive chant of “Boring, Boring Arsenal.” Wenger revolutionized the club, transforming them into winners known for their exhilarating attacking play. Similarly, Mourinho changed Chelsea from entertainers with a losing mentality into a powerhouse of organization and direct football, despite having no roots in the club’s traditional style.

Manchester City’s acquisition of Guardiola in 2016 can be viewed as an embrace of Barcelona’s DNA, with owners intent on winning through that style. The question remains: what identity will fans desire once Guardiola departs?

One thing is certain: supporters of Arsenal, Chelsea, or City won’t lament the shifts in club DNA brought about by their successful managers.

Ultimately, the concept of football DNA is often a euphemism for nostalgia—a comforting notion during challenging times when the past casts a long shadow over current struggles. For Manchester United, where Ferguson remains a constant presence in the directors’ box, it’s tempting to compare today’s team against his legendary accomplishments.

Conversely, Tottenham’s Frank lacks a cadre of successful former players to contend with, as his club has become synonymous with underachievement. If Spurs have a DNA, it is one of repeated failure, yet fans still cling to the glory days of the 1950s and 1960s when the club excelled in winning league titles and playing exciting football.

A modern coach burdened with honoring nearly century-old traditions faces insurmountable challenges unless they possess the courage to innovate as Ferguson, Wenger, and Mourinho did. However, a connection to a club’s DNA can afford coaches a longer honeymoon period than those without such ties.

Frank’s appointment was initially welcomed by Spurs fans after a successful tenure at Brentford, but alarm bells began to ring upon witnessing unconventional tactics, such as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario taking free kicks from the center circle during the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain. Such styles diverge from Tottenham’s traditional approach, placing Frank under pressure to secure wins or risk fallout.

In contrast, Carrick’s seamless integration of Ferguson’s football philosophy has given him significant credibility following his victory over City. Should his performances continue to reflect the club’s historical successes, there will be growing calls for him to secure the permanent role.

Ultimately, the narrative surrounding club DNA is secondary to the imperative of winning. When a team is successful, concerns over DNA become irrelevant.