As a coach no matter how good you’re with the small team, coaching a bigger team gives you a chance to win trophies and build with better players. The margin for error is smaller, but the ceiling is way higher too.
At smaller clubs, you mostly spend your time surviving, overachieving and fixing weaknesses. At bigger clubs, you’re expected to dominate games, manage egos, rotate world class players and still deliver results every single week. That’s a completely different level of pressure.
That’s why some managers are better at the smaller club but sometimes it’s because football changes when expectations change. A coach that was fighting for top 6 suddenly has to win leagues and Champions League titles. Different environment, different demands.
And honestly, some coaches deserve that opportunity. If you consistently improve average players, create strong systems and compete above your level, eventually people want to see what you can do with elite talent and elite resources. That’s how you’re truly tested.
Liverpool tried to sign Andoni Iraola as a player ahead of the 2014 January window, but he ended up staying at Athletic Club.
Now he’s tasked with leading a new era at Anfield.