Film Directors Are Like Soccer Managers

Those of us who are following the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, as well as all other soccer fans, must know how much influence a manager’s actions and personality have on the overall performance of the team.

In this sense they are not different from film directors: they manage a large group of people and make decisions about the actions of the group. They inspire and motivate the team and the team’s creativity and style is a reflection of his ideas and plans.

Let’s see if we can compare some of the famous soccer managers with film directors of similar quirks and qualities:

Fabio Capello = Stanley Kubrick

A combination of great knowledge and huge experience gives him the right to require discipline and precision from his “players”. With mostly a serious face he inspires awe and respect from his workforce.

Josep Guardiola = Steven Soderbergh

He is young but knowledgeable. His game is all about style and creativity. He is a modern kind of boss: friendly and caring. He prefers to work with the most creative players and because of his outgoing personality, everyone likes to work with him.

José Mourinho = Lars Von Trier

Many people don’t like him (myself included!) — but he doesn’t care! His “game” may not be very pleasing to the eye, but he knows what he is doing and he is willing to sacrifice his heart and soul for his work. While still quite young, he has already deserved a place in the pantheon.

Arsène Wenger = Steven Spielberg

Although he is not among the younger people in his line of work, he is still a child at heart, and he likes to play. His “game” doesn’t always bring results and awards, but he always makes sure that he enjoys what he does.