The pros and cons of being a long-distance football manager

Managing a football club is a demanding role, fraught with pressure to achieve results, fan and owner impatience, and relentless media scrutiny. For some managers, the job becomes even more complex when they commute from their family homes, often located hundreds of miles away. Frank Lampard is an example of this, splitting his time between Coventry and London.

Jose Mourinho lived in a hotel during his tenure at Manchester United, dividing his time between a luxury suite and his London home. Arne Slot chose to reside in Hale, Greater Manchester while managing Liverpool, just a short drive from Old Trafford but an hour away from Anfield. Tony Pulis held the record for the longest commute in the UK, with a round-trip of over 400 miles when managing Middlesbrough.

BBC Sport spoke to Pulis and other managers about their unique lifestyles. Pulis explained that while he spent most of his working week near his club, he would drive back to his family home after games. His wife was adamant that their children should grow up in the south coast, and Pulis felt no guilt in living there. He found that having his family nearby allowed him more time for preparation and reflection.

Pulis emphasized the importance of being alone during his preparations, away from the distractions of the office. He valued the uninterrupted time to think and strategize, which he believed was crucial for his role as a manager. Pulis also highlighted the support he received from his club, including a comfortable apartment during his time at Stoke City.

This arrangement allowed him and his family to stay close, even when he was away on away games. Despite spending a significant amount of time away from home, Pulis maintained that his decision to live away from the club never hindered his ability to understand and connect with the team and fans. He firmly believed that being present during the week was essential for his management style.