How I Became Europe’s Youngest Top Flight Manager: Will Still

Added: Sep 5, 2023

The Importance of Winning in High-Performance Environments

According to Will Still, high performance is all about winning. In the world of football, winning is the ultimate goal and the measure of success. Without winning, a coach's job is at risk. Therefore, creating an environment that fosters winning is crucial. Still believes that winning is not just about individual games, but also about winning consistently over a long period of time. This requires a strong focus on performance and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Dealing with Sudden Fame and Recognition

Still describes his experience of going from being an unknown football coach to suddenly being recognized and celebrated in the media. He finds it strange and surreal to be recognized by people on the street and to have fans asking for autographs and photos. However, he accepts it as part of the job and tries to stay grounded. He acknowledges that fame and recognition can be overwhelming, but he remains focused on his ultimate goal of winning games.

The Transition from Playing Football Manager to Real-Life Football Management

Still addresses the narrative that has emerged around him, comparing his experience playing the computer game Football Manager to real-life football management. He finds it amusing that people have made him out to be a "half God" who transitioned from playing a game to becoming a real football manager. He compares it to someone saying they played Call of Duty and now they're ready to go to war. Still emphasizes that the two experiences are not the same and that real-life football management requires much more than just playing a game.

The Role of Preparation, Opportunity, and Execution in High Performance

Still shares his perspective on high performance, drawing inspiration from South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi. He believes that high performance is achieved through preparation, opportunity, and execution. Preparation involves thorough planning and training, while opportunity refers to the chance to showcase one's skills and abilities. Execution is the ability to perform at a high level when given the opportunity. Still emphasizes the importance of all three elements in achieving high performance.

Will's Journey from a College Course to Becoming a Professional Football Manager

Still discusses his journey from studying football coaching at college to becoming a professional football manager. He talks about his initial lack of interest in traditional education and his decision to pursue his passion for football. Still describes the challenges he faced in finding work as a video analyst and the rejection he experienced from professional clubs. However, he persevered and eventually landed a job at a club where he was given the opportunity to prove himself. This experience taught him the value of hard work, patience, and resilience.

Adapting to Different Cultures and Creating a Supportive Team Environment

Still reflects on his experience of living and working in different countries, including England, Belgium, and France. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to different cultures and understanding the perspectives and needs of players from diverse backgrounds. Still believes that creating a supportive team environment is crucial for success. He encourages players to be themselves and express their individuality, while also emphasizing the importance of teamwork and a shared goal of winning games.

The Vulnerability and Honesty Required in Coaching and Managing

Still discusses the importance of vulnerability and honesty in coaching and managing. He believes that it is important to be honest with oneself and with the players. Still acknowledges that he is not perfect and that he will make mistakes. He encourages players to embrace their own vulnerabilities and learn from their mistakes. Still believes that being honest and vulnerable creates a supportive and trusting environment where players can grow and improve.

Dealing with Attention and Pressure from the Outside World

As Still's team went on a 10-game unbeaten run, he began to attract attention and pressure from the outside world. Suddenly, he went from being relatively unknown to existing in people's minds. Camera crews followed him, filming his every move, both on and off the field. Still recalls feeling the weight of this attention and the pressure to perform. He also had to navigate criticism from the media, particularly regarding his behavior on the touchline and his pre-game pep talks. The scrutiny and judgment from the outside world became a significant challenge for Still to manage.

While Still's 10-game unbeaten run was a significant achievement, it also presented unexpected challenges. The attention and pressure from the outside world added an extra layer of difficulty to an already demanding job. Still had to learn how to handle the criticism and scrutiny, particularly from the Belgian press. He faced harsh criticism for his behavior on the touchline and the language he used during his pre-game pep talks. The media painted a negative portrait of him, and Still had to navigate the fallout and the impact it had on his personal and professional life.

Being Undervalued and Misunderstood

Throughout his career, Still has often felt undervalued and misunderstood. He recalls the early days when he was ignored and overlooked by his first club. He had to fight for a contract and prove himself as a coach. Even when he achieved success, such as the 10-game unbeaten run, he faced criticism and skepticism from the outside world. Still's experiences highlight the challenges faced by young coaches and the need to prove oneself in a competitive and often unforgiving industry.

Non-Negotiable Behaviors

Still continues by discussing the three non-negotiable behaviors that he believes are essential for success. These behaviors are crucial for both himself and the people around him to buy into and embrace.

Enjoyment
Will emphasizes that enjoyment is not just about having fun, but about being true to oneself. He describes the feeling of walking onto a football pitch with perfect conditions and a supportive crowd as an example of true enjoyment. By being authentic and embracing the game of football, one can experience genuine enjoyment.

Commitment
Commitment is another non-negotiable behavior that Will highlights. He believes that to be part of a team, one must be fully committed to it. Will encourages individuals to let their egos and personalities shine, but also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the common goal and working together as a team. He cites an example of a player named Ballo, who understood the importance of teamwork and committed himself to the success of the team.

Honesty
Will believes in the power of honesty and encourages open and straightforward communication. He emphasizes the need for individuals to express their opinions and concerns, even if they involve criticizing others or admitting mistakes. Will believes that creating an environment where people can be honest with each other leads to growth and progress. He also acknowledges that accepting criticism and being open to feedback is crucial for personal and team development.

Confronting Uncomfortable Truths

Will's willingness to confront uncomfortable truths is seen as a superpower by the host. Will explains that if one has a specific goal or target and possesses the passion and drive to achieve it, confronting uncomfortable truths becomes a natural part of the process. He advises listeners to be as honest as possible and have difficult conversations, as they are not as challenging as they may seem. Will also encourages individuals to be prepared for criticism and backlash, as they are inevitable when pursuing ambitious goals.

Advice for Teenagers and Believing in Possibilities

When asked about advice for teenagers starting out, Will advises them not to believe those who say their dreams are impossible. He encourages them to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals and not to give up, even when faced with difficulties. Will acknowledges that identifying one's true passion can be challenging, but he emphasizes the importance of pursuing what truly brings joy and fulfillment.

The Power of Belief and Challenging Societal Norms

Will believes that setting goals and believing in their attainability is crucial. He acknowledges that this may sound romantic or fairy tale-like, but he argues that the world needs more of this mindset. Will challenges the societal norms that discourage individuals from dreaming big and pursuing their ambitions. He believes that everything is possible if one sets their mind to it.