24 May 2022 17:19:31
Do managers have favourites?

Yeah of course they do, every manager does.

I understand the frustration that fans have when certain players keep getting picked. Yet few ask why.

They just assume it's favouritism.

But why does a manager favour a certain player?

I doubt it's due to their haircut or the number on their back.

It's most likely based on performances in training, application, attitude and how they are around the team.

Do you pick the guy who knuckles down and listens to your coaching, taking on board the tips and guidance you give.

Or do you pick the clown who doesn't try, ignores your advice, and does his own thing?

When you work hard planning a coaching session, only for a player to disregard what you're coaching it's unlikely to make you feel you can trust them to do what you ask when on the pitch in a game.

Maybe certain players aren't getting picked because they don't apply themselves properly and respectfully in training.


1.) 24 May 2022
24 May 2022 19:15:12
I imagine there is a significant crossover between the players who fail to apply themselves in training and those who have become disruptive influences in the dressing room. None of the pundits want to name these players but it may be the case that Bailly for example falls into this group. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the "teacher's pet" who trains hard, follows instructions and consequently plays most games. Players like Fletcher are examples of this kind of player under Ferguson, and I wouldn't be surprised if McTominay is his latter day equivalent.


2.) 24 May 2022
24 May 2022 21:44:04
The only difference between Fletcher and McTomminay is footballing talent.


3.) 24 May 2022
24 May 2022 21:46:37
Of course it could also be that the manager doesn't have a clue!


4.) 25 May 2022
25 May 2022 08:07:48
I'm pretty sure anyone with half a brain can assume that players aren't just picked because of their names, it's what they do in training in the lead up to the game that dictates whether they play or not.


5.) 25 May 2022
25 May 2022 10:16:40
Obviously, you choose clowns, Pogba and Maguire for example.


6.) 25 May 2022
25 May 2022 13:35:50
Dont really understand the point of this post, of course most of the selections are made on application in training and suitability for the game plan.

But there is no doubt some players are picked because they are the managers favourite or some players aren't picked because the manager just doesn't like them or the cut of their jib.

A perfect example of this is Rudiger under Tuchel and Lampard, was sidelined by Lampard and portrayed as a bad egg and toxic in the dressing room, something a lot of their fanbase fell for hook like and sinker.

As soon as Tuchel comes in Rudiger plays and looks like a world class defender who is now a leader and role model in the dressing room.

Are we supposed to believe his non selection and selection under Tuchel and Lampard was down purely to his performances in training?


7.) 25 May 2022
25 May 2022 13:42:09
DSG, Rudiger could easily be a tactical misfit.

Lampard tended to play with a back four and when Rudiger played in Lampards system he looked okay at best.

Tuchel has played with a back three and Rudiger seems far more at home and suited to that sort of system.