Why Do Young Coaches Fail When Coaching Big Clubs in Europe?

1. Why is it wrong for young coaches to manage big European clubs?

Ruben Amorim and Xabi Alonso are facing a similar issue. They both achieved remarkable records while managing their previous clubs. Amorim was successful at Sporting Lisbon, as was Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. However, in reality, they have struggled when managing larger clubs.

Alonso's record of victories is quite commendable, but Real Madrid has been disappointing when facing major teams. The defeat in the Supercopa de España final against Barcelona marked the peak of disappointment that led to his dismissal. Meanwhile, Amorim's success at Sporting Lisbon, attributed to a three-defender system, cannot be applied at Manchester United.

Players at big clubs have a different ego compared to players at smaller clubs. Players at big clubs tend to look down on young coaches with minimal experience. Amorim, Alonso, and Motta have difficulty implementing their vision because the players do not respect them.

Young coaches who decide to train major teams have made a mistake. What they perceive as a leap in achievement is, in fact, the opposite. Major clubs demand maximum results in a short period. Conversely, young coaches prioritize building systems. This is where the pragmatism of major clubs does not align with the idealism of the coaches.

2. Why are there young coaches who can survive?

Como coach Cesc Fabregas and Brighton and Hove Albion coach Fabian Hurzeler are examples of young coaches who can endure. In fact, they have not yet reached 40 years of age, making them younger than Alonso, Amorim, and Motta.

The difference is that Como and Brighton and Hove Albion are not large clubs with demanding supporters and management. The management of Como and Brighton and Hove Albion is willing to patiently wait for the ongoing process. Como has granted Fabregas the freedom for the past two years, even though Fabregas acknowledges that match results are also very important.

A different case is presented by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. Arteta is still young, yet he has successfully brought Arsenal to its current state. The key is that Arsenal's management has placed their trust in Arteta. The 43-year-old coach even faced difficulties at the beginning of his tenure with the "Gunners."

Arsenal's management continues to support Arteta despite fans urging for his dismissal due to disappointing performances in the early seasons. The Spanish coach is also not interfered with by management regarding the addition of coaching staff and the acquisition of players that are needed. Meanwhile, at other major clubs, management tends to interfere in matters that should be the coach's prerogative.

3. Can Alvaro Arbeloa stay at Real Madrid for long?

Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso as the coach of Real Madrid, began his journey with less than smooth results. Real suffered an embarrassing defeat to the second division team, Albacete, in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, with a score of 2-3.

After the match that became an embarrassment, Real bounced back by defeating Levante in La Liga, 2-0; thrashing AS Monaco, 6-1, in the Champions League group stage; and most recently defeating Villarreal, 2-0, at La Ceramica Stadium, Sunday (25/1/2026) early morning WIB.

After achieving three consecutive victories, the 43-year-old coach has begun to gain the trust of the supporters, and most importantly, the confidence of the management of "Los Blancos." Real has successfully navigated a critical phase following the typical coaching change that occurs in a club.

The victory over Villarreal is significant for boosting the confidence of the club's executives in Arbeloa. The match was intense as both teams competed for positions in the Spanish league standings.

Villarreal has dropped to fourth place with 41 points in the Spanish League standings, below Atletico Madrid, which also has 41 points. Meanwhile, Real is temporarily at the top of the standings with 51 points. Barcelona (49 points) has the opportunity to displace Real from the top of the standings if they defeat Oviedo in the match on Sunday (25/1/2026) at 22:15 WIB at Camp Nou Stadium.