The Arrigo Sacchi Approach

Have you ever heard of Arrigo Sacchi? Probably not. But he’s widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time. Under his guidance, AC Milan not only won the Serie A but also lifted and successfully defended the Champions League title as well. This side was one of the most exciting and entertaining teams of the 1980s, they tore teams apart at the seams. But how did Sacchi start? Was he a legendary player as well? Did he know someone in the business who put in a good word? No, he was a shoe salesman. He coached a few amateur sides before getting his big break at Parma, where in two seasons he led them to the Serie B, then within 3 points of the Serie A. I’ve always admired him, but surely no one could repeat this success in the modern day, right?

As I sit here, alone, in my underwear, eating my leftover Christmas chocolate and watching something awful on tele, I think to myself, "This football manager malarkey can't be that hard, right?" Sure, sure it can't. Coming from a man with no qualifications and next-to-no playing experience aside from scoring some goals for my local Sunday League side. But I'm pretty good at FM, so that will help me, right?

So, my aim is to apply for every single job I see, regardless of division, and hope that one stupid chairman decides “I like the look of this lad, lets sign him up!” Will it work? Probably not, but you never know unless you try!