Antonio Conte has expressed his thoughts on the vital role of a head coach in determining a club's football philosophy. The Italian expert believes that the coach should dictate the team's direction and be crucial in any sporting project.
“There is a direction, a vision. Arteta sets the course — just like Klopp and Guardiola have done. In my view, the coach should be at the centre of the project and play a key role. If you are unhappy with them, sack them,” Conte said in an interview with The Athletic.
He emphasised that every coach should possess their own football philosophy, which the club must adhere to while building the team.
“The coach must determine the direction and have their own vision. You cannot have two different philosophies,” Conte added.
Conte cited examples of Mikel Arteta, Jurgen Klopp, and Pep Guardiola — coaches who have established playing models and long-term projects within their clubs.
In his opinion, the hierarchy either needs to support the course set by the coach or consider a change in management. The coexistence of two conflicting football concepts, according to the Italian, hinders the development of a unified team direction.
